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Australians will benefit from stronger competition in the aviation sector, the Treasurer has said, as he approved Qatar Airways acquiring a 25 per cent stake in Virgin Australia.
The approval will mean 28 new weekly return services between Doha and Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
Jim Chalmers announced the approval of the deal on Thursday subject to conditions including the protection of customer data.
“The CEOs of Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways have written to me with assurances that this investment will create employment benefits and job growth opportunities for Australians,” he said.
The proposal is expected to provide a long-term pathway for Virgin Australia to operate its own long-haul flights.