Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand are now going to work together. Now travellers can fly on both flyer points, and it makes easier for people to travel between these two destinations.
Under the new agreement,
Virgin Australia customers can book direct flights on Air New Zealand to Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
- Velocity members can earn and spend points on these flights.
- Eligible members can enjoy lounge access when flying to Australia and New Zealand.
- Important note: this is one way deal. This agreement lasts for five years.
Virgin Australia chief strategy and transformation officer Alistair Hartley said, the long-awaited partnership would give Virgin Australia’s customers access to a comprehensive network between Australia and New Zealand.
“Australians share our love of New Zealand and its national carrier, and we can’t wait to reignite this partnership before the end of the year,” he said.
Air New Zealand chief transformation and alliances officer Mike Williams said the rekindled relationship would make it even easier for more Australians to make the hop across the ditch, with customers enjoying a taste of New Zealand before they’ve even landed.
“We look forward to welcoming Virgin Australia customers onboard, offering them our exceptional Kiwi service, including food, our great selection of New Zealand wines, and our crew’s famous Manaaki
Away back, Air New Zealand owned a part of Virgin Australia and worked very closely together. At one point things got worse between them and stopped working together. Now they’re joining to work together because their common rival, Qantas, is becoming more powerful.
Grant Bradley has been working at the Herald since 1993. He is the Business Herald’s deputy editor and covers aviation and tourism.
