Thursday, 5 December: The long-awaited reunion of Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand is now officially "official", bringing enhanced travel options and seamless experiences for Virgin Australia passengers crossing the Tasman.
From today, under the new codeshare agreement between the two trans-Tasman carriers, travellers can directly book Virgin Australia flights operated by Air New Zealand with a VA flight number into Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch for travel from 9 December 2024 onwards. These flights are in addition to Virgin Australia's existing services to Queenstown.
Virgin Australia guests and Velocity Frequent Flyer members can also enjoy a variety of benefits and rewards when booking and travelling on around 300 services between Australia and New Zealand each week on Virgin Australia flights operated by Air New Zealand (with a VA flight number). These include:
- Earning Velocity Points and Status Credits*
- Lounge access for Velocity Gold and Platinum members*
- Seamless customer experience when connecting onto a Virgin Australia flight on its Australian network, including transfer of baggage and boarding passes issued for the entire journey.
- Velocity Gold and Platinum Status entitlements including one additional checked bag (up to 23kg), priority check-in and priority boarding*
- Virgin Australia Business Flyers will also have access to exclusive discounts and benefits in addition to options for corporate customers*
Virgin Australia Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Alistair Hartley, said the much-anticipated partnership gives Virgin Australia customers greater access to New Zealand destinations.
"The connection between Australia and New Zealand has always been deeper than just a stretch of ocean, and our new partnership with Air New Zealand celebrates that enduring bond.
"This codeshare agreement isn't just about flights – it's about creating seamless travel experiences that give Virgin Australia customers more ways to explore, connect, and adventure. We're committed to delivering unprecedented network coverage, loyalty rewards, and travel flexibility that make crossing borders as easy as crossing the street."
Air New Zealand General Manager Australia, Kathryn O'Brien, said this partnership with Virgin Australia makes it even easier for Australians and Kiwis living in Australia to make the short hop across the ditch.
"Whether it's for a weekend with friends and family, a business trip, or simply an excuse to experience some breathtaking scenery, this partnership seamlessly opens up more opportunities and destinations across New Zealand.
"From today, we're excited to extend a big Kia ora to Virgin Australia customers onboard and deliver our signature Kiwi hospitality, giving them a taste of Aotearoa at 30,000 feet."
Routes included in the codeshare agreement (travel dates available from 9 December 2024, flights can be booked to depart from Australia):
- Sydney <> Auckland
- Sydney <> Christchurch
- Sydney <> Wellington
- Adelaide <> Auckland
- Brisbane <> Auckland
- Brisbane <> Christchurch
- Brisbane <> Wellington
- Melbourne <> Auckland
- Melbourne <> Christchurch
- Melbourne <> Wellington
- Gold Coast <> Auckland
- Gold Coast <> Christchurch
- Perth <> Auckland
- Cairns <> Auckland (seasonal)
- Hobart <> Auckland (seasonal)
- Sunshine Coast <> Auckland (seasonal)
Virgin Australia flights operated by Air New Zealand (with a VA flight number) are currently on sale here and operating from 9 December 2024.
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