Qatar Airways to acquire 25% of Virgin Australia

[abeja]

Once we can nail down what that outcome is

All over the place. Who knows what the hell is going on, I’m more confused than ever about it.

Looks like EY has had enough of their BS.

For my family the severing with Etihad is a bummer. I went from flying Syd-Europe with Etihad when they had a bad patch a few years back, to Qatar who were at the top of their game for 2 or 3 years, then back to Etihad the past 2 or 3 years- after Qatar became a victim of its own popularity ie fully booked flights and overcrowded hub in Doha with tortuously long & seemingly pointless re-security-check lineups, for everyone transiting ie booked through to destination on connecting flights. Partly went back to EHY because we've found them better in the air and at their hub airport again, partly because we could never get into Priority Pass lounges in Doha (always over subscribed ie full) , but have without fail gotten admission into lounges at Abu Dhabi. Makes a huge difference to R & R in mid East layover.

 

[roby]

In any case, being able to earn SQ, AC, UA, VS, etc miles on those VA wet leased QR operated flights would be quite funny.

 

[Bagpuss]

Same document:

View attachment 415545

Pointshack have actually worded this very well. Though they then state ending codeshares with SAA which is wrong.

The proposed investment by Qatar Airways is a pivotal factor in this development. According to the joint application submitted by Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Qatar Airways is set to become Virgin Australia’s exclusive interline, codeshare, and loyalty partner (with some exceptions).

Breaking: Etihad Ends Partnership with Virgin Australia | Flight Hacks

Etihad Airways has officially announced the termination of its codeshare and bilateral frequent flyer partnership with Virgin Australia, effective 1 June 2025 (existing bookings won’t be affected!).

flighthacks.com.au

 

[simmomelb]

Pointshack have actually worded this very well. Though they then state ending codeshares with SAA which is wrong.

The proposed investment by Qatar Airways is a pivotal factor in this development. According to the joint application submitted by Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Qatar Airways is set to become Virgin Australia’s exclusive interline, codeshare, and loyalty partner (with some exceptions).

Breaking: Etihad Ends Partnership with Virgin Australia | Flight Hacks

Etihad Airways has officially announced the termination of its codeshare and bilateral frequent flyer partnership with Virgin Australia, effective 1 June 2025 (existing bookings won’t be affected!).

flighthacks.com.au

It's also incorrect regarding Singapore Airlines changes, although I understand the confusion, given Gilbert & Tobin's woeful submission on 13/11/2024 (published 15/11/2024) to the ACCC, which will need further clarification given the conflicting information.
No doubt they'll be working on that as we speak.

 

[Bagpuss]

It's also incorrect regarding Singapore Airlines changes, although I understand the confusion, given Gilbert & Tobin's woeful submission on 13/11/2024 (published 15/11/2024) to the ACCC, which will need further clarification given the conflicting information.
No doubt they'll be working on that as we speak.

I've come across a better article.

I'm sure everyone will agree they made a dogs breakfast of the application.

Etihad and Virgin Australia sets partnership end date

Etihad and Virgin Australia will no longer be partners from mid-2025, as Qatar Airways looks to deepen its ties with Virgin Australia.

www.pointhacks.com.au

 

[ben95]

I'm sure everyone will agree they made a dogs breakfast of the application.

The points hack article actually had the “correct” interpretation I think.

We imagine the latter direct statement is the one to follow, indicating that the existing partnerships will be largely unaffected by the proposed submission, though the door remains closed to new ones from those regions.

Existing partnerships are the “some exceptions” but VA won’t add new partnerships in those regions without a nod from QR.

 

[justinbrett]

I don’t buy the argument this was always intended and they just barry’d the wording. If that is the case those lawyers should never work again.

I think it’s more likely this was unexpected pushback for them and they’re trying to save the furniture. At the end of the day, nothing stopping VA terminating the other relationships the day the authorisation is granted.

I also think ACCC should be directing questions to VA/QR management not a law firm. They clearly aren’t helping. QF/EK correspondence was with QF directly - though I guess they have an internal legal department. Does VA not?

 

[Bagpuss]

I also think ACCC should be directing questions to VA/QR management not a law firm. They clearly aren’t helping. QF/EK correspondence was with QF directly - though I guess they have an internal legal department. Does VA not?

100% VA would have an internal legal department as they deal with airports, aircraft leasing etc. It would be much cheaper doing this inhouse.

However, to what size the department is and the credentials is another.

Whilst any company has an internal legal team, it's still normal practice to use external legal in some circumstances.

On a side note it's interesting that the media are stating Etihad terminated the relationship with VA and not the other way around which we were expecting.

 

[jase05]

On a side note it's interesting that the media are stating Etihad terminated the relationship with VA and not the other way around which we were expecting.

EY can see the writing on the wall and by them being the ones to set the time frame they now have a concrete exit date and aren’t in limbo. It allows them to get on with things.

 

[SeaWolf]

EY can see the writing on the wall and by them being the ones to set the time frame they now have a concrete exit date and aren’t in limbo. It allows them to get on with things.

They've also clearly been drawing back from the Australian market, they only fly to Sydney and Melbourne now, so they probably have a lot less need for an Australian partner.

 

[jase05]

They've also clearly been drawing back from the Australian market, they only fly to Sydney and Melbourne now, so they probably have a lot less need for an Australian partner.

They have stated a few times that they are increasing frequencies to SYD and MEL next year and speculation they are returning to PER soon

 

[Bagpuss]

They have stated a few times that they are increasing frequencies to SYD and MEL next year and speculation they are returning to PER soon

Jokes.... ACCC asks VA why they have an application which states Etihad's poor network in which Etihad are on the verge on announcing additional flights (and rumored to include Perth).

It highlights poor form from VA. Though it maybe that they knew and another reason for what appears like a very rushed application.