Flag carrier Qatar Airways (QR) is poised to significantly increase its Australian operations through a proposed 25% stake acquisition in Virgin Australia (VA).
Qatar Airways Australia
Qatar Airways (QR) is close to finalizing a deal to acquire a minority stake (possibly 20%) in Virgin Australia (VA), almost 1.5 years after its private equity owner Bain Capital delayed a billion-dollar float of the carrier and pivoted to courting strategic buyers.
Starting on October 29, 2023, Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways (QR) will introduce the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on its Adelaide (ADL) route, resulting in a 71-seat capacity increase per flight, marking a 25% boost in capacity.
Jason Clare, a member of the Labor frontbench, has called upon Qatar Airways (QR) to maximize their routes to Australia, while the federal government’s decision to reject the airline’s request for additional flights is under ongoing scrutiny.
Mr. Al Baker highlighted that Qatar Airways had supported Australia throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, assisting in repatriating individuals stranded globally and within the country.
Premier Peter Malinauskas has expressed that South Australia considers Qatar Airways (QR) to be a valuable partner.
Despite experiencing a 21 percent decrease in net profit for the financial year ending in March, Qatar Airways (QR) remains committed to acquiring 203 new aircraft in the upcoming years.
Preventing Middle East carrier Qatar Airways (QR) from increasing its flight capacity is projected to result in a loss of over $500 million in annual tourism income for the Australian economy, as indicated by industry projections.
Flag carrier Qatar Airways (QR) has been operating large passenger jets with minimal to no passengers onboard on a daily basis between Melbourne and Adelaide, capitalizing on a regulatory loophole that permits additional flights to Australia.