Virgin, Qatar hint at fresh business travel play
Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways are keen to woo business and corporate travellers.
By David Flynn, September 26 2022
The ink is barely dry on the unexpected partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways, but the two are mapping out the next step beyond reciprocal points ‘earn and burn’ and lounge access.
The airlines say they’ll soon launch “a market leading proposition for business travellers, providing more choice and value for business flyers travelling between Australia, the Middle East and Europe.”
It’s not yet known if this “corporate and SME travel offering” will be a component of Virgin Australia’s Business Flyer scheme and Qatar Airways’ Beyond Business rewards program, or take wing as its own entity with links to both Business Flyer and Beyond Business.
Either way, a new loyalty proposition for business travellers across both airlines would only add to the allure of the ‘strategic alliance’ between Virgin and Qatar – especially if it means a double serve of Velocity Points and Avios can be earned by businesses and passengers.
And it’s a partnership which raised eyebrows when first announced, given that Qatar Airways is a member of the Oneworld alliance alongside Qantas – indeed, CEO Akbar Al Baker is currently Oneworld chairman – while Virgin Australia is of course Qantas’ rival, and also counts Qatar’s Gulf rival Etihad Airways among its international partners.
QF
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 1004
Checking rewards seating last night Singapore Air on there site to for example Vancouver was an easy find in business for next year, checking the Virgin site economy seats on United were available but who wants economy. My point here is if Qatar wants my business with points they need to match what Singapore Air does with point transfers and costings or I am very happy just to stay with Singapore Air and there brilliant suite product.
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1208
I think Virgin and Qatar are more after your business with dollars. Points are a handy way to data-mine the customer base and fill up seats that would otherwise fly empty but it isn't the airlines' main game.
07 Mar 2022
Total posts 65
Transferring Velocity points to Avios points and then buying a Qantas flight? Imagine that….
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
12 May 2022
Total posts 15
You can also use either the Air NZ or Qantas international lounge and enter with your Gold or Platinum Velocity card when flying Qatar :)
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1208
Yes it is a bizarre triangle of relationships. VA with Qatar but also a tie-up with Etihad whilst Qantas has its Oneworld relationship with Qatar but an even closer relationship with the largest of the ME3, Emirates.
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