Qantas Airways and Qatar Airways

Qantas Airways does not oppose Qatar Airways' proposal to acquire a 25% stake in Virgin Australia, according to Qantas' Chair and CEO. This investment plan places Qantas in a competitive position.

Previously, Qantas had lobbied the federal government against Qatar Airways' unsuccessful attempt to increase flights to Australia.

Chair John Mullen stated, "Qantas is not opposed to foreign airlines owning stakes in Australian airlines," during their annual meeting. Mullen noted that the proposed deal would be evaluated regarding Australian jobs, the air services framework, and wet leasing arrangements.

Virgin Australia seeks approval to initiate flights to Doha by June next year, utilizing Qatar Airways' aircraft and crew under a wet leasing arrangement. However, a union representing Qantas pilots criticized the lack of job creation in Australia from this proposal.

Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson expressed that the airline embraces competition and that the impact of the Qatar deal on Qantas remains uncertain. Many Qatar Airways travelers transit through Doha when flying to Europe. In response, Qantas is expanding its ultra-long direct routes, including Perth-London and Perth-Paris, with upcoming plans for Sydney-London flights to stay competitive.

Additionally, Hudson announced that Qantas plans to incorporate several wet-leased aircraft from Finnair into its main fleet through a dry lease by the end of next year, using Qantas crews for these flights.