Qatar Airways launches codeshare with Virgin Australia

Doha : Qatar Airways is partnering with Brisbane-based Virgin Australia in a codeshare agreement that will allow Qatar's passengers access to 35 Virgin Australia destinations and Virgin Australia passengers access to more than 140 Qatar Airways destinations worldwide. 
The partnership will also allow each airline's frequent flyers to enjoy reciprocal benefits and the opportunity to earn and burn points on either airline.
"We have a strong, long-standing relationship with Australia and this agreement with Virgin Australia comes at a time when it is needed the most," said Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways.
In addition to easy connections at Australian ports served by both Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia (Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL, Brisbane (BNE), Perth (PER), and Adelaide (ADL)), and at Qatar's Doha (DIA) hub, the new partnership will also include reciprocal loyalty benefits allowing Qatar Airways Privilege Club members to earn and redeem Avios when flying on Virgin Australia, with similar benefits for Velocity members when travelling on Qatar Airways' services.
Depending on a passenger's frequent flyer status tier, other reciprocal perks could include complimentary lounge access, complimentary extra baggage allowance, priority check-in, priority boarding and priority baggage delivery when flying. As far as lounge access goes, Qatar's Privilege Club Gold and Platinum members will have access to Virgin Australia's lounges and that airline's Velocity Gold and Platinum members will have access to Qatar's lounges. 
While both airlines have to iron out the final details, the partnership is expected to kick off within a few months.