Qatar Airways Group and Virgin Australia Receive Final Go-ahead from the ACCC for Integrated Alliance

The approval from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission cements the airlines’ shared commitment to offering greater choice and value for all Australian passengers travelling to Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Qatar Airways Group and Virgin Australia have received final go-ahead from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for the airlines’ integrated alliance. This final determination officially signals the green light for Virgin Australia’s new 28 weekly flights between Australia and Doha – operated under a wet-lease with Qatar Airways – to proceed.  

The ACCC’s authorisation of Qatar Airways’ partnership with Virgin Australia gives the Australian carrier access to the scale and expertise of a world-leading global airline and facilitates its re-entry into long-haul international flying. This will drive increased competition in the market while delivering greater choice and value for Australian passengers.

Utilising aircraft wet-leased from Qatar Airways, Virgin Australia is set to commence long-haul flights from Sydney, Brisbane and Perth to Doha from June 2025, followed by Melbourne to Doha in December 2025. Through the award-winning Hamad International Airport in Doha, the flights open up more than 100 connecting itineraries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and enable Australian passengers to benefit from a host of increased loyalty earn and redemption opportunities for Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club and Velocity members.

In addition to this, the flights will provide a significant boost to the Australian visitor and tourism economy, generating an estimated AUD$3 billion in economic value over the next five years.

Qatar Airways Leads Industry with Completion of Starlink Installation Programme for Boeing 777s, Delivering Wi-Fi Speeds of Up to 500 Mbps per Aircraft

Qatar Airways, recently crowned the World’s Best Airline by Skytrax 2025, has completed the Starlink installation programme on 54 Boeing 777 aircraft, delivering on its promise to offer the fastest Wi-Fi onboard at a record speed.

This milestone makes Qatar Airways the operator of the largest number of widebody aircraft equipped with Starlink technology. It also cements the airline’s position as the global leader in Starlink-equipped long-haul and ultra-long-haul connectivity, and the only carrier in the Middle East and North Africa offering the service.

Originally scheduled as a two-year programme, the installation was completed in nine months; nearly 50% faster than planned. By cutting the retrofit time from three days to just 9.5 hours per aircraft, the airline completed the rollout programme without disrupting operations.

Passengers in both Premium and Economy cabins enjoy free, gate-to-gate Wi-Fi speeds of up to 500 Mbps per aircraft. Whether streaming, gaming, or working, they can expect a fast and reliable connection comparable, if not better, to their experience at home.

Building on the success of the rollout programme for Boeing 777s, the airline is now equipping its Airbus A350 fleet, aiming to complete Starlink installation within the next year.

Since launching the world’s first Starlink-equipped Boeing 777 in October 2024, Qatar Airways has operated over 15,000 Starlink-connected flights, continuing to redefine the modern travel experience with world-class services and pioneering innovation.

Qatar Airways Retains Skytrax ‘Airline of the Year’ Title for a Record Ninth Time

Qatar Airways has once again been named the ‘World’s Best Airline’ by the prestigious international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax, retaining the top position for a record-breaking ninth time. This achievement reaffirms the airline’s steadfast commitment to delivering excellence across every touchpoint of the travel experience.

In addition to securing the airline industry’s highest accolade, Qatar Airways was also awarded:

• World’s Best Business Class
• Best Airline in the Middle East
• Best Business Class Airline Lounge (Al Mourjan Lounge – The Garden at Hamad International Airport)
• Skytrax Five-Star Airline recognition