Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand Reunite to Enhance Travel Experiences

The long-awaited reunion between Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand is officially here, bringing enhanced travel options and seamless experiences for passengers crossing the Tasman. Under the new codeshare agreement, travellers can now book Virgin Australia flights operated by Air New Zealand with a VA flight number to Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch for travel starting from 9 December 2024. These flights are in addition to Virgin Australia’s existing services to Queenstown. Benefits for Virgin Australia Guests and Velocity Frequent Flyers This partnership offers a variety of benefits and rewards for Virgin Australia guests and Velocity Frequent Flyer members when booking and travelling on approximately 300 services between Australia and New Zealand each week. These benefits include:

• Earning Velocity Points and Status Credits
• Lounge access for Velocity Gold and Platinum members
• Seamless customer experience with baggage transfer and boarding passes issued for the entire journey
• Velocity Gold and Platinum Status entitlements, including an additional checked bag, priority check-in, and priority boarding
• Exclusive discounts and benefits for Virgin Australia Business Flyers and corporate customers

Alistair Hartley, Virgin Australia’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, highlighted the significance of this partnership: “The connection between Australia and New Zealand has always been deeper than just a stretch of ocean, and our new partnership with Air New Zealand celebrates that enduring bond. This codeshare agreement isn’t just about flights – it’s about creating seamless travel experiences that give Virgin Australia customers more ways to explore, connect, and adventure.” Enhanced Travel Options and Kiwi Hospitality Air New Zealand’s General Manager Australia, Kathryn O’Brien, emphasised the ease of travel this partnership brings: “Whether it’s for a weekend with friends and family, a business trip, or simply an excuse to experience some breathtaking scenery, this partnership seamlessly opens up more opportunities and destinations across New Zealand. From today, we’re excited to extend a big Kia ora to Virgin Australia customers onboard and deliver our signature Kiwi hospitality, giving them a taste of Aotearoa at 30,000 feet.” Routes Included in the Codeshare Agreement The following routes are available for travel from 9 December 2024:

• Sydney <> Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington
• Adelaide <> Auckland
• Brisbane <> Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington
• Melbourne <> Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington
• Gold Coast <> Auckland, Christchurch
• Perth <> Auckland
• Seasonal routes: Cairns <> Auckland, Hobart <> Auckland, Sunshine Coast <> Auckland

Virgin Australia flights operated by Air New Zealand (with a VA flight number) are currently on sale and will begin operating from 9 December 2024. This partnership marks a significant step forward in providing enhanced travel experiences and greater access to destinations across New Zealand for Virgin Australia passengers.