Air India and Virgin Australia Launch Codeshare Partnership, Expanding Travel Options
Air India and Virgin Australia have taken a significant step in enhancing travel options between India and Australia with the launch of a new codeshare partnership. This collaboration allows Air India to place its ‘AI’ code on Virgin Australia flights, expanding the choices available for passengers wishing to travel beyond Sydney and Melbourne to 16 additional destinations across Australia and New Zealand. The new partnership, which starts on February 18, 2025, is set to offer a streamlined travel experience, simplifying long-haul journeys for passengers flying on a single ticket.
This exciting partnership aims to make travel more seamless for passengers, providing the added convenience of a smooth transition between flights and a baggage check-through service for the entire journey. Under the new codeshare agreement, passengers can book one ticket and enjoy easier connections to destinations including Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Perth, and Queenstown in New Zealand. With Air India already operating 14 weekly non-stop flights between Delhi and Melbourne and Sydney, this agreement will significantly enhance the flight options for travellers, allowing them to extend their journeys to more destinations in Australia and beyond. For Alistair Hartley, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Virgin Australia, the partnership is a strategic move to tap into the growing Indian tourism market. Hartley expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “India is a growing tourism market for Australia, and this collaboration will encourage travellers on Air India’s 14 weekly flights to explore more of our wonderful country.” Australia, with its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and renowned attractions like the Great Barrier Reef and Tasmania, is set to become even more accessible to Indian travellers, particularly as demand for international tourism continues to rise.
Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer of Air India, echoed Hartley’s enthusiasm, highlighting the expanded accessibility that the partnership offers to the Indian diaspora and holidaymakers eager to explore Australia’s natural wonders and cultural offerings. Aggarwal added, “This partnership is a vital step in making travel to Australia even more convenient for our passengers. With direct access to more Australian cities, travellers can enjoy a richer experience of the country.” For passengers, this partnership will not only make long-haul travel more convenient but will also provide a more comfortable, hassle-free experience. Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which operate on the non-stop Delhi-Melbourne and Delhi-Sydney routes, will serve as the primary aircraft for these codeshare flights, ensuring high standards of service and comfort.
The codeshare booking system officially launched on February 11, 2025, with the first codeshare flights set to operate from February 18, 2025. This partnership is expected to significantly increase travel options for passengers, providing more flexibility in their travel schedules, while also introducing them to an array of exciting destinations in Australia and New Zealand. While the codeshare agreement strengthens the ties between Air India and Virgin Australia, it also signals a broader trend in the airline industry where international collaborations are becoming increasingly essential for providing enhanced connectivity to passengers. With the combined network of both airlines, the codeshare partnership is a valuable asset for travellers looking to explore Australia and New Zealand while benefiting from the convenience of seamless flight connections. As the partnership continues to grow, passengers are expected to experience the ease of travelling to some of the most sought-after destinations in the Southern Hemisphere, whether for business or leisure. This marks a new chapter in the expanding connectivity between India and Australia, promising an exciting future for both the aviation industry and travellers eager to discover new horizons.
