Virgin Australia has announced it will triple the number of Reward Seats available for its new flights to Doha, catering to the growing demand from Velocity Frequent Flyer members. Starting from June 12, 2025, flights will commence from Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth, with increased availability continuing until December 10 of the same year.
According to the airline, 97 percent of members rated redemption seats as their top preference for using Points. Although the exact number of Reward Seats has not been disclosed, the tripling of availability is expected to greatly benefit those eager to travel internationally. This strategic move aligns with Virgin Australia's expanded partnership with Qatar Airways.
The freshly announced flight routes, pending regulatory approval, outline:
- Sydney to Doha: June 12, 2025
- Brisbane to Doha: June 19, 2025
- Perth to Doha: June 26, 2025
- Melbourne to Doha: December 1, 2025
Nick Rohrlach, CEO of Velocity Frequent Flyer, emphasized the importance of this development, stating, "The tripling of Reward Seats available to our Velocity members between Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Doha means international travel is more accessible than ever." He underscored the enhanced travel experience awaiting passengers, who will have the chance to fly on Qatar Airways' state-of-the-art Boeing 777 aircraft.
“On-board, passengers will enjoy an unparalleled experience. Business Class travellers will fly the luxurious Qsuite Business Class, which has become well-regarded within the industry,” Rohrlach added. All travellers will also have complimentary access to Starlink, the first ultra-high-speed, low-latency internet service offered aboard flights.
For travelers considering booking flights, the pricing structure for Reward Seats is enticing for both Economy and Business Class options:
- Economy Class:
- Perth to Doha: 42,000 Points (plus taxes and fees)
- Sydney/Brisbane to Doha: 56,000 Points (plus taxes and fees)
- Perth to Doha: 89,500 Points (plus taxes and fees)
- Sydney/Brisbane to Doha: 119,500 Points (plus taxes and fees)
Virgin Australia is not only boosting the number of Reward Seats but also enhancing the travel experience through its collaboration with Qatar Airways. Doha’s Hamad International Airport has consistently ranked among the best worldwide, having earned accolades from Skytrax, being recognized as the World’s Best Airport three times.
Passengers arriving at Doha will have access to seamless connections via Qatar Airways’ extensive network, linking travelers not just to the Middle East but also to key destinations across Europe and Africa. The collaboration is set to create numerous new opportunities for Australian travelers.
“This major investment signifies Virgin Australia’s commitment to supporting its new flights for the European Summer and enhancing member engagement,” Rohrlach stated. "With these expanded offerings, we are dedicated to meeting the travel needs of our members."
The announcement follows growing criticism against rival airlines like Qantas over the limited availability of reward seats, particularly for high-demand flights to Europe. By significantly increasing Reward Seat availability, Virgin Australia positions itself as more accommodating for frequent flyers.
Virgin Australia has clearly entered the competition with ambition, as they assured all passengers booking through Reward Seats will benefit from refund options or alternative flight arrangements should future regulatory approvals not pan out as planned.
To access these Reward Seats, members are encouraged to log on to the Virgin Australia website, enter their travel details, and look for flights labeled as “Velocity Reward Seats.” The launch of these services marks both excitement and anticipation within the traveling community, with many eagerly awaiting the opportunity to book their dream destination.
Overall, the tripling of Reward Seats from Virgin Australia reflects a promising shift for Australian travelers, providing easier access to the Middle East and beyond. With accessible travel options and premium flying experience on Qatar Airways, Velocity members can look forward to fulfilling their travel aspirations.