Treasurer Jim Chalmers has given the green light for Qatar Airways to buy a 25% stake in Virgin Australia, as part of a strategic alliance. The deal will shake up the Australian aviation market. The announcement follows a detailed assessment by the Foreign Investment Review Board,

DALLAS — Qatar Airways Group (QR) has received approval from Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) for its 25% stake in Virgin Australia. This follows the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) draft ruling on February 18,

Qatar Airways may have taken a big stake in Virgin Australia, but that’s unlikely to spark price wars that gave us cheap flights.

Qatar Airways Ltd.’s acquisition of a 25% stake in Virgin Australia can proceed subject to enforceable conditions, Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers said, adding the deal would improve competition in the country’s highly-concentrated aviation sector.

The new appointment will replace Jayne Hrdlicka, who announced she was stepping down a year ago, and ticks another box for Virgin to list on the Australian sharemarket.

The investment sets the stage for Virgin Australia to resume long-haul flying this summer for the first time since reorganizing during the pandemic. Bain Capital, which acquired Virgin Australia in 2020,

Qatar Airways has clinched regulatory approval for a 25% investment in Virgin Australia, paving the way for the Australian carrier to eventually restart long-haul operations.

Virgin Australia and Emirates aircraft heard the Chinese flotilla's radio notification about a live-firing test off the Australian coast last Friday.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has approved Qatar Airways taking a 25 per cent stake in Virgin Australia but has installed a couple of safeguards as well.

A Virgin Australia pilot alerted Australian authorities about a live-fire drill by Chinese naval ships last week in the Tasman Sea that forced 49 flights to change their paths, Australia's air traffic control agency head told a parliamentary committee.

"The safety of our customers and people remains our main priority. Qantas is suspending operations at Brisbane Airport due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred, while Jetstar and Virgin Australia have also cancelled services. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Jono Searle "While ...