Virgin Australia Expands Regional Reach with New Codeshare Partnership with Link Airways
Virgin Australia and Link Airways have announced a codeshare partnership that is set to significantly expand Virgin Australia's presence in regional Australia. This collaboration introduces over 90 weekly services operated by Link Airways, featuring destinations like Inverell, Wollongong, and Biloela, which are currently not serviced by other major airlines.
This partnership marks a considerable increase in Virgin Australia’s regional footprint, estimated at around 45 percent. Starting today, these services are bookable through Virgin Australia’s travel agency partners, with availability on the Virgin Australia website from March 2024.
Velocity Frequent Flyer members, numbering almost 12 million, stand to gain substantially from this agreement. They can now earn both Points and Status Credits on 17 new regional codeshare services. This move not only enhances the loyalty program but also connects regional Australia more seamlessly to Virgin Australia's extensive domestic network.
The codeshare agreement includes a range of routes connecting Brisbane to various cities like Coffs Harbour, Bundaberg, Biloela, Inverell, and others, alongside connections from Sydney to Narrabri and Inverell, and Melbourne to Dubbo, Orange, and Wollongong. Furthermore, Canberra will have new connections to Hobart and Newcastle.
Virgin Australia Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Alistair Hartley, emphasized the importance of this partnership in providing value, flexibility, and choice to Australians, particularly those in regional areas. He noted the role of this partnership in supporting regional trade and tourism, especially in underserved destinations.
Andrew Major, CEO of Link Airways, also expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the benefits it brings to regional passengers, including better connectivity and more choices through Virgin Australia’s route network.
The partnership is not just about expanded routes; it includes enhancing the travel experience. Link Airways’ fleet of 14 aircraft offers complimentary tea, coffee, and water, and the agreement allows travel agency partners with Virgin Australia ticketing authority to access Link Airways services through Virgin Australia’s global distribution network.
For more detailed information on loyalty benefits with Link Airways, travelers can visit the Velocity website. This strategic partnership between Virgin Australia and Link Airways represents a significant step in connecting regional Australia more closely with the broader domestic network, offering more choices and convenience to passengers across the country.
