The long-awaited reunion between Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand has officially arrived, marking a new era of seamless travel options and enhanced experiences for passengers crossing the Tasman Sea.
This much-anticipated codeshare agreement between the two carriers allows Virgin Australia customers to book flights operated by Air New Zealand on key routes to New Zealand, starting from December 9.
Under the new partnership, Virgin Australia travellers can now directly book flights with a VA flight number to Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, expanding the airline’s connectivity across the Tasman.
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These new services will complement Virgin Australia’s existing operations to Queenstown, offering more comprehensive travel options to the popular New Zealand destination.
For frequent flyers, the benefits are even more significant.
Virgin Australia guests, including Velocity Frequent Flyer members, can earn Velocity Points and Status Credits on around 300 weekly services operated by Air New Zealand under the new agreement.
These flights will provide seamless experiences, including streamlined baggage transfers and the ability to check in for the entire journey with a single boarding pass.
Velocity Gold and Platinum members will also enjoy a range of exclusive benefits, such as lounge access and priority check-in and boarding.
For business travellers, Virgin Australia’s new partnership with Air New Zealand introduces additional perks, including access to exclusive discounts and corporate customer options.
Alistair Hartley, Virgin Australia’s chief strategy and transformation officer, expressed enthusiasm about the new agreement, highlighting its role in enhancing travel experiences for Australian and New Zealand passengers.
“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.”
Hartley also emphasised the airline’s commitment to providing network coverage, loyalty rewards, and travel flexibility to ensure that crossing the Tasman is as easy as possible for Virgin Australia passengers.
Air New Zealand’s general manager for Australia Kathryn O’Brien echoed Hartley’s sentiment, stressing the convenience and value this partnership brings for travellers on both sides of the Tasman.
“This partnership seamlessly opens up more opportunities and destinations across New Zealand,” O’Brien says.
“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.”
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA AND AIR NEW ZEALAND ROUTES
Sunshine Coast Auckland (seasonal)
To book tickets, head to Virgin Australia’s website here.