Virgin Australia sells 13 percent stake to China’s HNA Aviation Group

    Virgin Australia sells 13 percent stake to China’s HNA Aviation Group

    HNA Aviation Group, China’s largest private airline operator, will buy a 13 percent stake in Virgin Australia, worth $159 million as part of the deal

    The Australian airline says the deal will help it capitalise on the growing Chinese travel market.

    The move opens the market between the two countries with direct flights between Australia and a number of Chinese cities to be introduced, in addition to code-sharing, frequent flyer programs and lounge access.

    Virgin Australia announced that HNA would increase its stake in the company to 19.99 percent over time.

    Virgin Australia chief executive John Borghetti said “China was Australia’s fastest growing and most valuable inbound travel market, growing at about 18 per cent a year since 2010.”

    “The alliance will see us leverage the opportunities offered by China as well as the synergies of HNA’s comprehensive aviation supply chain,” Borghetti added.

    The flights will start in the first half 2017 and will be serviced by a mix of Virgin and HNA aircraft.

    Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

    virgin australia

    Latest News

    • Products

    Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun

    If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]

    • Tour Operators
    • Tourism

    TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips

    The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]

    • Aviation

    Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak

    Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]

    • Hotels

    Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa

    Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]

    • Luxury
    • News

    Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards

    Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]