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Virgin Australia has pointed to significant public and industry support as it pushes for the government to approve its wet-leased flights to Doha.
The airline has applied to the International Air Services Commission (IASC) to grant it 28 flights per week between Australia and Qatar using wet-leased 777-300ER aircraft from Qatar Airways, with tickets already on sale after receiving interim approval from the ACCC last year.
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The application has been supported by organisations such as the Australian Airports Association (AAA), Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), and the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA).
In a letter to the IASC, Virgin’s chief corporate affairs and sustainability officer Christian Bennett said published submissions “strongly support the application” for reasons including increased competition and connectivity,
“We believe that the strong support from stakeholders across the aviation, tourism, and business communities underlines the broad benefit that will result from Virgin Australia’s proposed 28 weekly return services between Australia and Qatar if Virgin Australia’s application is granted,” he wrote.
“Virgin Australia’s application for capacity was not contested, interim approval from the ACCC allowed sale of the planned flights to commence (which is now underway), and supportive public responses have been received following the IASC’s calls for comment.
“For the reasons outlined in its application and submissions to the IASC, Virgin Australia believes that it meets the reasonable capability criteria for such an application and would therefore welcome the earliest possible decision by the IASC to approve its application for capacity on the Australia-Qatar route.”
The ACCC in November gave Virgin and Qatar interim approval to begin selling tickets on the flights. ACCC deputy chair Mick Keogh said customers who book the services will be protected if the tie-up is knocked back.
”We consider that granting interim authorisation now will allow Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia the lead time to undertake the necessary planning discussions, marketing, selling and system alignment in preparation for Virgin Australia to commence flying the new services by June 2025,” Keogh said.
“Affected customers will be given the option of a refund or re-accommodation on a suitable alternative flight at no additional charge, and would not be out of pocket for any reasonably foreseeable costs, if these proposed new services ultimately don’t get approved.
“Having this court-enforceable undertaking that protects customers was important to our decision to allow Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways to start selling tickets now.”
Fares are now on sale from Sydney, Brisbane and Perth to Doha starting June 2025, with Melbourne coming later in the year.
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says:As many of you would know, dealing with Government and or associated bodies when you are in business can be the most soul-destroying activity imaginable, they are inward thinkers, are programmed with a software not available to the general public and are totally blind to thoughts/words and deeds outside of their own
protected environment. This case in question has a legal precedent so clearly the problem is political so the possibility of us going into caretaker mode saves the day for Govt. at the same time creating havoc for business/investment and the poor old general public. Not a good look.