Qatar Airways Cargo has announced a strategic partnership with Virgin Australia to boost airfreight capacity for Australian exporters, enhancing access to international markets.
The collaboration will see Qatar add an extra 180 tonnes of cargo capacity per week through Virgin-operated Boeing 777 flights across Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. From July, these routes will begin daily operations to Doha, with a Melbourne route set to join in December. Once in full operation, the total weekly two-way cargo capacity provided by Qatar will exceed 400 tonnes.
Currently, Qatar Airways Cargo offers over 240 tonnes of belly cargo capacity each way per week to Australia across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. The addition of Virgin Australia’s long-haul services is expected to significantly expand this footprint.
Qatar Airways Cargo chief officer cargo Mark Drusch said the partnership supports Australia’s vital role in global trade.
“Australia plays a pivotal role in global trade, and it is essential for us to empower its exporters with the best possible connectivity,” he said.
“Our proven expertise in safeguarding sensitive shipments such as perishables and pharmaceuticals positions us as the trusted partner for Australia’s trade ambitions. This partnership with Virgin Australia significantly increases capacity available to Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne – a major improvement in global cargo capacity for exporters.
“With these new services, we are responding decisively to long-standing market demands. The addition of Virgin Australia’s Boeing 777s more than doubles the airfreight capacity on key routes. It is a bold move, reinforcing Qatar Airways Cargo’s leadership in connecting Australia’s economy to the world’s most dynamic markets.”
Virgin Australia head of cargo Dimitris Politis welcomed the agreement, adding, “This collaboration delivers significant new capacity for Australian exporters and strengthens our ability to connect Australian businesses with international markets.”
Two-way trade between Qatar and Australia now exceeds AUD 3.4 billion annually, making Qatar a key trade partner in the MENA region.