Qatar Airways to acquire 25% of Virgin Australia

[justinbrett]

If there was zero chance of switching to Avios, wouldn’t they say so when asked by a journo rather than refuse to answer, even by saying something vague like “we have no plans”?

Why answer a question that you don’t have to? Keep your opponents guessing.

 

[ben95]

The treasurer has said on ABC yesterday regarding the Qatar acqusition that "people should expect to see that decision quite soon, ideally this week".

 

[RooFlyer]

Now approved by the Treasurer - from the AFR app. Hooray!



EDIT: Now a link off the AFR web site

ASX 200 LIVE: ASX to slip, Qatar gets approval to buy Virgin stake, Qantas results awaited

Australian share futures turned negative after the US president reiterated his tariff-driven trade agenda. Qantas results pending. Follow updates here.

www.afr.com

 

[markis10]

Great timing - about 30 minutes before QF results come out

 

[RooFlyer]

Some of the conditions (from AFR article, above)

Chalmers said the airlines had committed to “a structured secondment program, placing 20 pilots and 40 cabin crew in Doha in 2025 to gain long-haul flying experience, while creating at least 60 backfill positions in Australia”.

They have also agreed to explore potential “dry lease” options, where Virgin Australia leases its own aircraft and provides its own crew, to begin no later than three years into the partnership and an assurance to unions that any future dry lease arrangements will utilise Australian-based labour.

“The proposal is also expected to deliver broader economic benefits including more job creation in Australia, support for the tourism industry and enhancing Australia’s position as a key travel hub,” Chalmers said.

 

[Saab34]

Agreed to ‘explore’

Funny.

 

[p--and--t]

Was interesting hearing pilots union chief saying part of the obligations of V2.0 was to re-establish international capability. So.there was a driver there to seriously make something happen (besides HND debacle).