Proposed sale would allow Virgin to offer long-haul flights and lower domestic prices, airline says, but watchdog will need to scrutinise deal
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Qatar Airways plans to buy a 25% stake in Virgin Australia from its private equity owner, in a deal set to shake up the local aviation market by pressuring Qantas on airfares and service.
The proposed sale will allow Virgin to start offering long-haul flights for the first time since 2020 and compete more vigorously in the lucrative domestic market. It also bolsters the airline’s loyalty program against Qantas’s rival points offering.
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