Air Berlin has become the latest element of Virgin Australia’s virtual international airline network, with the two airlines announcing a reciprocal codesharing and frequent flyer agreement.
From August 1, assuming regulatory approval, Virgin Australia will codeshare on airberlin’s daily direct Airbus A330-200 services from Abu Dhabi to Berlin and Dusseldorf, while airberlin will codeshare on Virgin Australia’s Abu Dhabi-Sydney and Perth-Phuket flights, plus nine Australian domestic services. Members of the airlines’ frequent flyer scheme will also receive reciprocal benefits.
Airberlin and Virgin Australia share a common key shareholder in Etihad Airways. Airberlin is also, like Qantas, a member of the oneworld airline alliance.