Why has Etihad entered into this partnership with the Virgin Australia Group of Airlines?
This is the right decision for our businesses and for our customers. We have a very similar approach to customer service and are equally committed to building the strength and reach of our networks, ensuring that we offer the best possible solution for travellers.

How is this different from other codeshare relationships?
There are three key things that immediately make it more than just a codeshare agreement:

• fully reciprocal frequent flyer and lounge access benefits
  
  
• more extensive codeshare arrangements which will, over time, extend across a vast array of destinations on our networks
  
  
• Virgin Australia International Airlines will fly its own aircraft into Abu Dhabi – more than halfway to Europe – complementing Etihad’s own Australia services.

When did the services go on sale?
Etihad passengers have been able to purchase tickets on Virgin Australia services since October 1, 2010.

What are the immediate changes that might affect me?
For customers with pre-existing bookings, either through Etihad, Virgin Australia or any of our codeshare partners, there is no immediate change. Flight bookings, frequent flyer benefits and lounge access all remain the same for the immediate future.

The only change is greater lounge access and baggage entitlements for Etihad Guest and Virgin Australia Velocity members. Velocity Gold members travelling on any Etihad services are entitled to the same lounge access that applies to our customers. Etihad Guest Gold members travelling on Virgin Australia are entitled to lounge access on routes where there is a lounge offering. Those top-tier flyers are also entitled to increased baggage in line with their own frequent flyer programme’s baggage entitlements.

Will Etihad Guest members be able to earn points on the new services?
Yes. Etihad Guest members can earn points and tier miles/status credits on either carrier’s services.

Can I earn and burn immediately?
The integrated frequent flyer programmes mean that customers can earn and redeem points immediately.

Will I earn the same rate of miles?
The earning rate will be as per the operating carrier’s rules. For example, an Etihad Guest member flying on a Virgin Australia flight will earn Etihad Guest miles at the same rate as a Velocity member would earn points on the same flight.

Is group travel affected on these services?
Customers and travel agents will be able to make group bookings with either airline via specialised group bookings teams.

Do Etihad passengers on Virgin Australia services have to pay for meals or inflight entertainment?
Etihad is working with Virgin Australia to launch free inflight entertainment and inflight catering for all Etihad guests travelling on a Virgin Australia codeshare route. We will have this in place as soon as possible.