Air Canada Teams up with Virgin Australia

Air Canada is already a member of Star Alliance. However, on the side, they have been adding other code-share partners. Just in 2020, they launched 4 new partnerships: Etihad, Azul, Vistara, and Air Serbia.

Now in 2021, they are continuing this momentum. On January 19, 2021, they will start the year by adding Virgin Australia (VA) to the roster of partners (outside of Star Alliance). VA operates a loyalty program called Velocity. You will already see Air Canada listed as partner on VA’s website, but now they are expanding this partnership with their frequent flyer programs.

Pre-COVID-19 pandemic Air Canada had 3 direct flights from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to:

• Sydney Airport (SYD)
• Melbourne Airport (MEL)
• Brisbane Airport (BNE)

We hope to see some of these flights resume soon, and maybe some direct VA flights to Canada too!

Basically, by being a code-share partner, Aeroplan members will be able to redeem points for VA flights. Furthermore, below is the Aeroplan accrual chart for flights operated by Virgin Australia:

Below are some other notes to keep in mind:

• Aeroplan members can earn points based on distance flown VA flights
• For VA flights wholly within Australia, members can earn Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) and Status Qualifying Segments (SQS), as well as Status Qualifying Dollars (SQD) for VA domestic flights ticketed by Air Canada.
• VA flights will be priced based on Aeroplan’s pricing for partner airlines.
• Aeroplan members will be able to book VA flights online at aircanada.com, as well as via our Contact Centre.
• VA flights can be combined with flights operated by Air Canada and our other international airline partners.
• The partner booking fee will apply for flight rewards which include travel on VA.