Video Analysis: How Qatar’s Virgin deal circumvents government ruling

What came as a surprise, though, was that the deal would also see Virgin Australia launch flights to Doha – using ‘wet leased’ Qatar aircraft and crew.

Of course, that news came almost a year after Transport Minister Catherine King controversially blocked the expansion of Qatar flights into major Australian airports.

The announcement means Qatar has effectively circumvented the rules. Is this a stroke of genius or an affront to Australian competition?

And with new big backers, is Qantas’s position dominating Australian aviation now under real threat? Adam and Jake discuss the fallout.