Qatar Plans to Buy a 25 Percent Stake in Virgin Australia, New Doha Flights

Qatar Airways is planning to acquire a 25 percent stake in Virgin Australia, a deal that could increase competition in the Australian travel market. The plan, subject to Foreign Investment Review Board approval, would enable Virgin to launch a range of new flights from capital cities to Doha. Virgin Chief Executive Jayne Hrdlicka estimates that new long-haul services between Australia and Doha would generate an estimated economic benefit of $3 billion (US$2 billion) for the Australian economy. “I am delighted that our closer relationship allows us to put our toe in the water regarding long-haul international, as well as the ability to deepen other areas of existing cooperation, including between our respective loyalty programs and code-sharing arrangements,” she said....