Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand have officially implemented a new codeshare agreement on their trans-Tasman flights. Virgin Australia flights operated by Air New Zealand can now be marketed under the «VA» flight code to Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch starting December 9, 2024. These services complement Virgin Australia’s existing connections to Queenstown.

Virgin Australia customers and Velocity Frequent Flyer program members have the opportunity to enjoy a range of benefits and rewards when booking and flying on nearly 300 weekly services between Australia and New Zealand on Virgin Australia flights operated by Air New Zealand (under the VA flight code). These include:

• Earning Velocity points and status credits
• Lounge access for Velocity Gold and Platinum members
• Seamless customer experience when connecting to a Virgin Australia flight on its Australian network, including baggage transfer and boarding passes issued for the entire journey
• Velocity Gold and Platinum benefits, such as one additional checked bag (up to 23 kg), priority check-in, and priority boarding
• Virgin Australia business travelers will also have access to exclusive discounts and benefits, in addition to corporate client options
• Virgin Australia’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Alistair Hartley, stated that the long-awaited partnership provides Virgin Australia customers with greater access to New Zealand destinations.

“This codeshare agreement is not just about flights; it’s about creating seamless travel experiences that give Virgin Australia customers more ways to explore, connect, and embark on adventures. We are committed to delivering unprecedented network coverage, loyalty rewards, and travel flexibility that make crossing borders as easy as crossing the street,” said Alistair Hartley, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer of Virgin Australia.

«Whether it’s for a weekend with friends and family, a business trip, or just an excuse to enjoy breathtaking scenery, this partnership seamlessly unlocks more opportunities and destinations across New Zealand,” said Kathryn O’Brien, General Manager of Air New Zealand Australia.

Routes included in the codeshare agreement (travel dates starting from December 9, 2024; flights can be booked departing from Australia):

• Sydney <> Auckland
• Sydney <> Christchurch
• Sydney <> Wellington
• Adelaide <> Auckland
• Brisbane <> Auckland
• Brisbane <> Christchurch
• Brisbane <> Wellington
• Melbourne <> Auckland
• Melbourne <> Christchurch
• Melbourne <> Wellington
• Gold Coast <> Auckland
• Gold Coast <> Christchurch
• Perth <> Auckland
• Cairns <> Auckland (seasonal)
• Hobart <> Auckland (seasonal)
• Sunshine Coast <> Auckland (seasonal)