Virgin Australia has given assurances about its proposed alliance with Qatar Airways, which involves a proposed wet lease arrangement to operate international flights, amidst concerns about reliance on foreign labour and implications for domestic airline competition.
The alliance aims to expand Virgin Australia’s capacity, offering new routes and potentially lowering airfares, particularly as travel costs have surged in recent years.
Despite facing opposition from Qantas and regulatory scrutiny from the ACCC, Virgin Australia asserts that the partnership will allow for quick service expansion and that there will be no immediate replacement of Australian jobs.
The merger will streamline Virgin Australia’s partnerships, ending its arrangement with Etihad Airways while maintaining existing agreements with other carriers, as the airline prepares for growth and a gradual return to long-haul services using its aircraft and crews.
