DOHA – In Australia, Qatar Airways ran into trouble in 2023, the country rejected an application to expand flight rights. Qatar Airways is now gaining market access through a stake – the airline is taking over 25 percent of Virgin Australia. Qantas shares price in increased competition.
Qatar Airlines strengthens its system with investments. The airline wants to expand access to Africa via Rwand Air and Airlink.
Another investment target is in Australia: Qatar Airways is taking over 25 percent of the shares in Virgin Australia from investor Bain Capital. A purchase price was not mentioned.
Bain Capital has been the majority shareholder in Virgin Australia with a 93 percent stake since 2020. Singapore Airlines and Etihad Airways have also owned shares in the airline in the past. The entry of Qatar Airways still has to pass the Australian antitrust regulator.
For the Qataris, an involvement with Virgin Australia has strategic value. Qatar Airways is allowed to fly 28 times a week to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane. The Australian government rejected a requested extension of traffic rights to 49 weekly flights in 2023.
Virgin Australia bedient Doha
According to the announcement, Virgin Australia is scheduled to start routes from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to the Qatar Airways hub in Doha with leased aircraft from mid-2025. Shares in Qantas lost over four percent of their value after the news was announced.
© aero.de | Abb.: Airbus | 02.10.2024 06:53
