Air India and Virgin Australia Launch Codeshare Partnership to Boost Tourism

In a major step towards enhancing travel options between India and Australia, Air India and Virgin Australia have launched a codeshare partnership that will significantly expand connectivity across the region. This new collaboration will open up access to 16 key destinations in Australia and New Zealand, offering seamless travel options for passengers and encouraging greater tourism between the two countries.

Expanding Travel Options for Passengers

This new partnership will provide Air India’s customers with an array of travel opportunities, allowing them to travel from Delhi to major Australian hubs like Melbourne and Sydney, and then onward to other popular destinations across Australia and New Zealand. The codeshare agreement, which begins taking bookings on February 11, will see the first codeshare flights operate from February 18.

Travelers booking a single ticket will benefit from the convenience of having their baggage checked through to their final destination, simplifying their journey and offering peace of mind. This seamless connection between flights operated by Air India and Virgin Australia will make it easier than ever to explore the diverse landscapes and vibrant cities of both Australia and New Zealand.

16 New Destinations in Australia and New Zealand

The codeshare will unlock a wealth of new destinations, including major Australian cities such as Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Newcastle, Perth, Sunshine Coast, and Sydney. Additionally, passengers will also be able to travel to key New Zealand destinations such as Queenstown and Hamilton Island.

This expanded network ensures that Air India’s customers will have more flexibility and choice, with improved access to regional hubs and beautiful locations across the two countries. Whether travelers are seeking an urban experience in Sydney or a tropical getaway to Cairns, this partnership will make it easier to reach a wide variety of destinations.

A Boost to Tourism

As the tourism industry recovers from the effects of the global pandemic, the codeshare agreement between Air India and Virgin Australia is poised to have a significant impact. According to Alistair Hartley, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Virgin Australia, India is a rapidly growing market for Australian tourism. This partnership will not only boost tourism between India and Australia but will also allow travelers arriving on one of Air India’s 14 weekly flights to explore more of the beautiful Australian continent.

The initiative is expected to attract more travelers from India to Australia, allowing them to discover the natural beauty, vibrant culture, and diverse experiences that the region offers. In turn, Australians will also benefit from greater accessibility to India’s iconic destinations, further strengthening tourism between the two nations.

Convenient and Efficient Travel

With Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft operating daily non-stop flights from Delhi to both Melbourne and Sydney, the new codeshare partnership will offer travelers even more options for their international journeys. Whether passengers are flying for business, leisure, or family visits, they will enjoy seamless connections across the two countries.

The agreement allows Air India to place its ‘AI’ code on Virgin Australia-operated flights, making it easy for passengers to book their entire trip under one reservation. This will also help streamline the ticketing process, making travel between India, Australia, and New Zealand more efficient and cost-effective.

A Strategic Move for Air India

Australia holds significant importance as one of Air India’s key international markets, and the airline is enthusiastic about expanding its presence in the region through this partnership. Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer of Air India, expressed excitement about the potential of this collaboration, highlighting the importance of Australia in Air India’s international strategy.

With the increased connectivity and expanded travel options, Air India and Virgin Australia are set to offer travelers from both countries more choices, greater convenience, and an overall enhanced travel experience. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in international airline partnerships and underscores the growing demand for travel between India and Australia.