Qatar Airways Cargo is expanding its footprint in the Australian market by partnering with Virgin Australia to significantly increase cargo capacity between Australia and Qatar.

Through the agreement, over 180 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity will be added across three of Australia’s major export gateways – Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth.

This builds on Qatar Airways Cargo’s existing offering of over 240 tonnes of weekly belly-hold capacity to and from Australia, raising the total to more than 400 tonnes each way, each week.

Starting in June 2025, Virgin Australia will begin operating daily Boeing 777 services between Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Doha. These flights will provide an additional 129 tonnes of weekly capacity on the Perth route, 30 tonnes from Brisbane, and 21 tonnes from Sydney.

The partnership will expand further in December 2025, when Virgin Australia adds daily Boeing 777 flights between Melbourne and Doha in cooperation with Qatar Airways, providing additional cargo lift from another key Australian hub.

Mark Drusch, chief officer cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, said: “Australia plays a pivotal role in global trade, and it is essential for us to empower its exporters with the best possible connectivity.

“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.”

Drusch added: “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.”

Dimitris Politis, head of cargo at Virgin Australia, said: “This collaboration delivers significant new capacity for Australian exporters and strengthens our ability to connect Australian businesses with international markets.”

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