Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways intend to expand their strategic partnership, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on a range of sustainability initiatives.

Areas of focus under the MoU will include aiming to advance the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Low Carbon Aviation Fuel (LCAF), environmental management including waste and energy management, sustainable procurement, and aviation workforce development.

The certification, production, and commercial uptake of SAF and LCAF in Australia – including through potential collaboration on relevant projects will be areas of focus for the partnership.  Another area of opportunity that will be explored is sustainability-related customer solutions. 

Both airlines also recognise the importance of developing the human capital of Australia’s aviation-related ecosystem through learning, education and development opportunities.

The MoU was signed by Virgin Australia Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer, Christian Bennett and Qatar Airways Group Senior Vice President of Aeropolitical & Corporate Affairs, Fathi Atti earlier this month.

In October 2024 Qatar Airways Group announced it intends to acquire a minority 25% equity stake in Virgin Australia, subject to Australian Government approval. Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways’ existing strategic partnership – which has expanded the network, lounge and loyalty offerings of both carriers – recently marked its second anniversary.  

Commentary from Virgin Australia Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer, Christian Bennett:

“This is our first sustainability-focused MoU with a partner airline, reflecting the growing and strategic nature of our relationship with Qatar Airways,” he said.

“It allows Virgin Australia  to harness the scale and expertise of the world’s best airline to help tackle a range of sustainability challenges – from the adoption of SAF-related solutions to customer solutions, to workforce development.

“We look forward to working closely with the Qatar Airways team to enhance and broaden the impact of our efforts to advance environmentally sustainable and inclusive operations.”

Commentary from Qatar Airways Group Senior Vice President of Aeropolitical & Corporate Affairs, Fathi Atti:

“This MoU not only further strengthens the strategic partnership between Qatar Airways Group and Virgin Australia, but also cements the shared commitment towards achieving our common objectives in the area of sustainability.

“Driving progress in environmental sustainability is something that is at the very heart of Qatar Airways’ corporate culture. We are at the forefront of the aviation sector's efforts in various areas, evident though our work in climate change and waste management, as well as the successful introduction of an integrated environmental management system. We also recognise the importance of developing the industry’s long-term human capital.

“We look forward to working with Virgin Australia to share our experiences, and continue to build upon our strong leadership in these areas.”

ENDS

About Virgin Australia 

The Virgin Australia Group was founded in the year 2000 by Sir Richard Branson and is now one of the largest Australian airlines operating an extensive domestic network as well as short-haul international services, charter and cargo operations, and its loyalty program, Velocity Frequent Flyer. The Group employs more than 7,800 people and boasts more than 12 million Velocity members who can use their Points to redeem flights to over 600 destinations around the world through Virgin Australia and the airline’s extensive list of international partner carriers.

About Qatar Airways

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways won the ‘World’s Best Airline’ for the unprecedented eighth time at the 2024 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. Qatar Airways has been the World’s Best Airline in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024. The airline continues to be synonymous with excellence, also taking home, ‘World's Best Business Class’, ‘World's Best Business Class Airline Lounge’, and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’. As leaders in industry innovation and digital adoption, Qatar Airways was also recently voted the 'World’s Best Airline Website' by World Travel Tech Awards. Qatar Airways currently flies to over 170 destinations worldwide.