News
Virgin Australia looking to deepen partnership with Air NZ
September 28th 2026
Virgin Australia (VA) is seeking to expand its partnership with Air New Zealand (Air NZ) to cover more routes in each other’s networks. Read More » Since 2004, the Australian carrier has placed its VA airline code on Air NZ-operated flights between Australia and N.Z., except flights to and from Queenstown, under a unilateral, free-sale codeshare arrangement. Air NZ does not codeshare on any VA services. VA has applied to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for the two airlines to codeshare on each other’s domestic services, as well as offer global reciprocal benefits for members of the pair’s frequent flyer programs, including lounge access for status holders, the ability to earn and redeem points across both airlines’ networks - with a couple of exceptions - and authorisation to work together on schedule planning to maximise connections. "In practical terms, the proposed conduct will allow customers to book seamless travel between Virgin Australia’s Australian domestic network and Air New Zealand’s domestic New Zealand network on a single itinerary," VA said in its submission to the ACCC. "Customers will also benefit from reciprocal loyalty and status recognition across each airline’s network, whether marketed under the NZ or VA code. The proposed conduct will increase traffic on Virgin Australia’s domestic network and provide better trans-Tasman and domestic New Zealand connectivity." Air NZ does have an existing codeshare agreement with Qantas Airways where the Star Alliance member adds its NZ airline code on select Qantas-operated domestic services in Australia. As part of the agreement, Qantas adds its QF airline code on select Air NZ-operated domestic N.Z. routes. "If the proposed conduct is authorised by the ACCC and the relevant New Zealand minister, Air NZ proposes to end its existing codeshare arrangements with Qantas," VA said in its submission.
