Virgin Australia’s Air New Zealand partnership kicks off this month

Virgin Australia is setting its sights on the Tasman as its partnership with Air New Zealand is cleared for take-off (again). The deal unlocks the ability to earn and spend Velocity Points on selected Air NZ flights. There are also perks for Velocity members flying with New Zealand’s national carrier as part of the bundle.

A partnership with Air New Zealand isn’t a new thing for Virgin Australia. The two airlines shared a longstanding tie-up some years ago, though it eventually broke down. But now, with fresh leadership and higher-than-before travel demand, it seems the time is ripe to rekindle the relationship. The new partnership begins for flights departing from 9 December 2024.

The connection between Australia and New Zealand has always been deeper than just a stretch of ocean, and our new partnership with Air New Zealand celebrates that enduring bond.

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. We’re committed to delivering unprecedented network coverage, loyalty rewards, and travel flexibility that make crossing borders as easy as crossing the street.

– Alistair Hartley, Virgin Australia Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, December 2024

Benefits of the Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand partnership

The new unilateral partnership between Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand takes on a different shape than before. There are still several similar elements, though. Here are some of the benefits that the carriers are rolling out, all for travel from 9 December 2024:

• Virgin Australia will codeshare on Air New Zealand’s flights from Australia into Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington. These codeshares are available for travel from 9 December 2024. It won’t apply to routes that Virgin Australia already flies (i.e. Queenstown).
• Velocity Frequent Flyer members will be able to earn points, when travelling on a trans-Tasman flight operated by Air New Zealand when booked on a codeshare VA flight number.
• Gold and Platinum members of Velocity can enjoy airport lounge access when flying between Australia and New Zealand on codeshare services. Travellers must book the VA code to qualify for benefits. Access to Air New Zealand domestic lounges and all other Air NZ lounges is not included.
• Priority check-in, boarding and baggage delivery will be offered to Velocity Gold and Platinum members, where available.

Be aware that, unlike the previous iteration of the tie-up between the two airlines, Velocity members cannot earn privileges when travelling on an NZ flight number. Velocity Points and Status Credits can also not be earned when booking on an NZ code.

Further, no word yet regarding whether or when Velocity members will be able to book Air New Zealand flights using Velocity Points.

Plan your New Zealand escape with Velocity Points.

Summing up

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the New Zealand Ministry of Transport have now given the partnership their approval.

Air New Zealand already has a partnership with Virgin Australia’s arch-rival, Qantas. Interestingly though, the tie-up between Qantas and Air NZ only covers the domestic skies of each country. But on trans-Tasman flights, the two airlines compete head-to-head. That arrangement will remain unaffected.

Overall, the upcoming Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand partnership is good news for Velocity Frequent Flyer members, who will gain another partner to earn points on – albeit limited to VA codeshare flights.

Also read: Air New Zealand plans for Auckland lounge upgrades and Virgin Australia partnership

Feature image courtesy of Virgin Australia. Additional reporting by Brandon Loo.