Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways in close cooperation

Virgin Australia has announced its return to international long-haul flying with its first Sydney–Doha flight having departed on 12 June, connecting Australians to over 170 destinations through Qatar Airways' network.

Loyal Solution`s LoyalTfacts platform powers the payment/card linked solution for both Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Virgin Australia`s Velocity program. It is great to see two of our close partners become closer partners, with the many benefit that entails for the members in the two loyalty programs.

Loyalty Benefits for Velocity Frequent Flyer Members
Velocity Frequent Flyer’s more than 13 million members will be eligible for benefits when travelling on the new services. Some of these benefits include:

• 50% bonus Status Credits on bookings made between 12 June and 30 June 2025 for travel between 1 October 2025 and 27 May 2026 on an eligible Virgin Australia flight between Australia and Doha (VA1-29).
• Status Credits earned on the new services (VA1-29) will contribute to the new requirement from October 2025 onwards, to earn at least 50% of Status Credits on Virgin Australia flights to upgrade or maintain Status.
• Points benefits for Silver, Gold and Platinum members including 50% bonus Points for Silver members, 75% bonus Points for Gold members and 100% for Platinum members on eligible flights.
• From 1 October 2025, Velocity will be increasing the number of Status Credits that members will earn on the new Virgin Australia services between Australia and Doha (VA1-29) and Qatar Airways marketed and/or operated flights between Australia and Doha. This ensures that from 1 October 2025, the same Status Credit earn rate applies on all Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways marketed and/or operated services on eligible routes⁵.

Virgin Australia Chief Executive Officer, Dave Emerson, said the inaugural Australia-Doha flights represent a pivotal moment for the airline and for Australian travellers.

“Today marks the beginning of a new era for Virgin Australia and for international travel from Australia. Through our partnership with Qatar Airways, we’re not just launching a new route — we’re opening the world to millions of Australians, delivering more choice, better value and a seamless global experience. This partnership strengthens Australia’s global connectivity while generating jobs, boosting tourism and injecting billions into the national economy.”

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said:

“We are delighted to welcome Virgin Australia's inaugural Sydney to Doha service to our award-winning Hamad International Airport as the first of four exciting new routes scheduled for 2025. This milestone moment in the partnership between our two airlines is the culmination of many months of meticulous planning and tireless dedication of our respective teams, as well as a testament to our shared ambition to deliver increased competition, world-class service and value to Australian passengers."

Loyal Solutions CEO, Peter Kisbye adds: "It is indeed great to witness our two close partners Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia teaming up and presenting new exiting loyalty offerings to their members".