Seamless Travel and Enhanced Benefits for Frequent Flyers
Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand have rekindled their partnership, promising a more streamlined travel experience and boosting the appeal of Virgin’s Velocity frequent flyer program. This alliance is set to provide passengers with enhanced benefits, including the ability to earn Velocity points and status credits on Air New Zealand flights that bear a Virgin Australia (VA) flight number between Australia and New Zealand.
Key Highlights of the Partnership
- Velocity Points and Status Credits: Passengers can now accumulate Velocity points and status credits on eligible Air New Zealand flights, increasing the value and flexibility of the Velocity program.
- Lounge Access: Velocity Gold and Platinum members, along with Beyond program members, will enjoy access to Air New Zealand lounges when travelling on VA-coded Air New Zealand flights.
- Joint Marketing Initiatives: The partnership allows for collaborative marketing efforts, offering discounts and exclusive deals to passengers.
Pending Final Approvals
While the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has given the green light for a five-year trans-Tasman codeshare agreement, the final approval from the New Zealand Ministry of Transport is still pending. The partnership’s official launch date will be confirmed once all regulatory approvals are in place.
Enhancing Trans-Tasman Travel
This renewed alliance aims to fill gaps in Virgin Australia’s New Zealand network, which was previously limited to Queenstown. The ACCC Deputy Chair, Mick Keogh, highlighted that the partnership would offer more ticketing and pricing options, benefitting both business and leisure travellers. Virgin Australia’s CEO expressed excitement about providing more value and choice for passengers flying across the Tasman.
What This Means for Travellers
- Expanded Network: The partnership reopens several routes, making travel between Australia and New Zealand more convenient.
- Exclusive Benefits: Enhanced lounge access and the ability to earn and redeem Velocity points on a wider range of flights.
- Collaborative Marketing: Passengers can expect a range of exclusive offers and promotions as part of the joint marketing efforts by the two airlines.
The Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand partnership is set to revolutionise trans-Tasman travel, providing seamless connectivity and enhanced benefits for frequent flyers. As this partnership takes off, travellers can look forward to a more rewarding and convenient travel experience.
