New business travel strategy from Virgin and Qatar

The two airlines have been making a concerted effort to attract corporate travelers and business travelers.

The ink is barely dry on the unexpected partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways, but the two are planning the next step beyond reciprocal 'win and burn' points and lounge access.

The airlines say they will soon launch "a market-leading proposition for business travelers, bringing more choice and value to business travelers traveling between Australia, the Middle East, and Europe”.

It's not yet clear whether this "corporate and SME travel offer" will become part of Virgin Australia's Business Flyer program and Qatar Airway’s Beyond Business rewards program, or take off as a separate entity with links to Business Flyer and Beyond Business.

Either way, a new loyalty proposition for business travelers on both airlines would only add to the appeal of Virgin's 'strategic alliance' with Qatar - especially if it means double service of Velocity Points and Avios can be earned by companies and passengers.

And it's a partnership that raised eyebrows when first announced, given that Qatar Airways is a member of the Oneworld alliance alongside Qantas - indeed CEO Akbar Al Baker is currently Chairman of Oneworld - while Virgin Australia is of course the rival of Qantas, and also includes Qatar. International partners include rival Gulf airline, Etihad Airways.

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