Virgin Australia marked a major milestone as the airline returned to long-haul international flying with the launch of its inaugural Sydney–Doha service.
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This launch represents a significant evolution of Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways’ partnership. With Brisbane flights commencing 19 June, Perth on 26 June and Melbourne services to follow in December 2025, there is no better time to book that European holiday.
The Virgin Australia–Qatar Airways alliance brings together two aviation brands to deliver more choice to Australian consumers, with connectivity to 6 continents. By December 2025, the alliance will grow the capacity of flights from Australia to Doha to 2.65 million seats a year, increasing competitiveness in the market and providing ample choice for Aussie travellers wanting to visit Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
Passengers onboard the new Doha flights will travel on Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, featuring:
– Qsuite Business Class – named World’s Best Business Class in Skytrax’s World Airline Awards 2024, offering private suites, lie-flat beds, and the option for couples to create a double bed in the sky4.
– Spacious Economy Cabins with one of the widest seats in the industry and renowned inflight service.
– Complimentary high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi available onboard for all passengers through the entire journey.
The new services are expected to generate more than $3 billion in economic activity within Australia over the next five years, fuelled by an anticipated surge in international visitors and increased tourism spending. The launch is also expected to create hundreds of new jobs in aviation, hospitality and tourism-related sectors across the country.
For Virgin Australia employees, this also creates secondment opportunities for Pilots and Cabin Crew to broaden their skills and gain international flying experience within Qatar Airways’ world-class global network.
