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Travel between India and Australia just got a whole lot easier! Air India and Virgin Australia have joined forces in a strategic codeshare agreement, offering seamless connections for passengers flying between the two countries. This collaboration means that travelers flying with Air India from Delhi to Melbourne or Sydney can now connect effortlessly to 16 additional destinations across Australia and New Zealand.
Thanks to this partnership, Air India will place its ‘AI’ code on Virgin Australia’s domestic flights, making it possible for passengers to book a single ticket with smooth baggage transfers. Whether heading to vibrant cities like Brisbane, Perth, and Darwin or exploring iconic tourist spots like the Gold Coast, Hamilton Island, and Queenstown, travelers can enjoy a hassle-free experience. Regional hubs, including Byron Bay, Newcastle, and the Sunshine Coast, are also within easy reach.
Alistair Hartley, Virgin Australia’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, emphasized how this partnership makes it easier for Indian travelers to explore Australia, leveraging Air India’s 14 weekly flights and Virgin Australia’s broad domestic network. Meanwhile, Nipun Aggarwal, Air India’s Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted the significance of Australia in Air India’s international strategy, catering to the Indian diaspora and adventurous tourists eager to experience Australia’s diverse attractions.
For added comfort, Air India’s daily non-stop flights from Delhi to Melbourne and Sydney operate on Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, featuring 18 luxurious flat-bed Business Class seats and 238 Economy Class seats. Passengers connecting to Virgin Australia flights can also enjoy premium cabin services across both airlines. Bookings under this exciting new codeshare agreement opened on February 11, 2025, with flights taking off from February 18, 2025.
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(Source: Aviation Week | The Tribune)
