News

Australia’s regional airline battle heats up

Published

2 years ago

January 18, 2024

Ahron Young

Virgin Australia and Link Airways have unveiled an extensive codeshare partnership that will significantly expand Virgin Australia’s regional presence.

Under this partnership, Link Airways will operate over 90 weekly services, with Virgin Australia codesharing on these flights.

Regional Australia will see substantial improvements as Virgin Australia and Link Airways embark on an expansive codeshare partnership, bolstering Virgin Australia’s presence in regional Australia by approximately 45 percent.

Notably, the expansion includes services to destinations like Inverell, Wollongong, and Biloela, which currently lack major airline services.

Velocity members

Velocity Frequent Flyer members will reap the benefits of this collaboration, earning both Points and Status Credits on 17 new regional codeshare services. Furthermore, this agreement opens up the possibility of seamlessly connecting regional Australia to Virgin Australia’s broader domestic network.

Customers can book these services through Virgin Australia’s travel agency partners, with fares available on virginaustralia.com from March 2024.

Codeshare services

Seventeen fresh regional codeshare services, equivalent to 90 weekly flights, will be integrated into Virgin Australia’s domestic network through the collaboration.

Velocity Frequent Flyer, boasting nearly 12 million members, stands to gain from this partnership as they will now earn both Points and Status Credits on Virgin Australia codeshare services operated by Link Airways, encompassing crucial regional centers across the nation.

For Velocity Platinum, Gold, and Silver members, additional incentives such as bonus Points and extra baggage allowances will be available when traveling on Virgin Australia codeshare services operated by Link Airways.

Eligible Velocity members can also enjoy access to Virgin Australia lounges during their travels on these codeshare services.

Virgin Australia Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Alistair Hartley said “Today’s announcement in partnership with Link Airways underscores our commitment to delivering great value, flexibility and choice to Australians, and boosting connections for customers living in regional Australia,” he said.

“Importantly the partnership is also set to support regional trade and tourism in destinations like Inverell, Wollongong and Biloela, which are not currently serviced by any other major airline.

“Together, our networks will be operating up to 365 daily flights across Australia, offering 42 domestic destinations for guests to explore, all while ensuring guests can enjoy seamless connectivity and loyalty benefits under our award-winning Velocity Frequent Flyer program when they travel.”

New regional routes available as Virgin Australia codeshare (in both directions):

Brisbane <> Coffs Harbour (BNE-CFS)

Brisbane <> Bundaberg (BNE-BDB)

Brisbane <> Biloela (BNE-ZBL)

Brisbane <> Inverell (BNE-IVR)

Brisbane <> Narrabri (BNE-NAA)

Brisbane <> Dubbo (BNE-DBO)

Brisbane <> Orange (BNE-OAG)

Brisbane <> Tamworth (BNE-TMW)

Brisbane <> Armidale (BNE-ARM)

Brisbane <> Wollongong (BNE-WOL)

Sydney <> Narrabri (SYD-NAA)

Sydney <> Inverell (BNE-IVR)

Melbourne <> Dubbo (MEL-DBO)

Melbourne <> Orange (MEL-OAG)

Melbourne <> Wollongong (MEL-WOL)

Canberra <> Hobart (CBR-HBA)

Canberra <> Newcastle (CBR-NTL)

It comes a year after 777 Partners launched Bonza in Australia, a low-cost operator focusing on regional markets.

Bonza CEO’s big plans after bumpy start for airline

Seamless travel

Virgin Australia customers will now have the convenience of traveling seamlessly to 42 Australian destinations through a single booking, complete with check-in and baggage transfer.

Link Airways Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Major said “Link Airways is very pleased to join Virgin Australia in announcing this codeshare agreement which will provide significant additional travel opportunities to passengers Australia-wide, particularly those in regional areas.

“Benefits will include better connectivity and more choice for regional customers thanks to Virgin Australia’s expansive route network,” he said.

The partnership marks a significant step forward for Virgin Australia and Link Airways, promising enhanced connectivity and convenience for travelers across Australia.

News

Tyler Robinson arrested for killing activist Charlie Kirk

Tyler Robinson arrested for murdering Charlie Kirk; shared details on Discord, revealing political motives and chilling messages

Published

12 hours ago

September 13, 2025

Ahron Young

Tyler Robinson arrested for murdering Charlie Kirk, shared details on Discord, revealing political motives and chilling messages

In Short:
– Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested for allegedly murdering activist Charlie Kirk, 31, at a university event in Utah.
– Witnesses revealed Robinson’s negative views on Kirk and links to anti-fascist sentiments through his messages and actions.

Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested following the alleged murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, 31, during a university event in Utah.

Authorities reported that Robinson shared details about the incident on Discord, discussing his actions after the shooting.

He reportedly inscribed internet culture references on the bullets used, including anti-fascist sentiments.

Witness testimonies indicate Robinson had expressed negative views about Kirk prior to the attack, which he described as “spreading hate.”

He arrived campus in a grey Dodge Challenger and opened fire, leading to Kirk’s immediate collapse. Following the incident, Robinson’s father and a minister turned him in to the police.

Political Context

Robinson’s messages, including references to anti-fascist imagery and memes, indicated a motive tied to Kirk’s political beliefs.

Governor Spencer Cox noted Robinson’s increasing political engagement and dissatisfaction with Kirk’s views in conversations with relatives. The investigation raised concerns over targeted violence linked to political ideology.

News

Wall Street bets big on Fed rate cut

Published

1 day ago

September 12, 2025

ticker NEWS

Wall Street traders are increasingly confident the Federal Reserve will cut rates next week.

Fresh inflation data has showed prices edging higher but growth slowing, and with jobs, markets, and political pressure all in focus, the Fed’s decision could be pivotal for the economy.

News

FBI hunts assassin who shot Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University

Charlie Kirk, conservative influencer, shot dead at 31 during speech at Utah Valley University, prompting ongoing manhunt for suspect

Published

2 days ago

September 11, 2025

Ahron Young

Charlie Kirk, conservative influencer, shot dead at 31 during speech at Utah Valley University, prompting ongoing manhunt for suspect

In Short:
– Federal authorities are investigating the shooting of Charlie Kirk, who was killed at Utah Valley University.
– A manhunt for the actual shooter is underway; two men have been questioned and released without charges.

Federal authorities are investigating the shooting of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, who was killed while speaking at Utah Valley University.

The incident occurred around 12:20 PM when Kirk was shot in the neck, leading to a chaotic scene as attendees fled. Kirk, a father of two, died shortly after being taken to a local hospital.Investigators believe the shooter fired from a building approximately 200 yards away.

During the aftermath, two men, one of whom claimed to have fired the shot, were taken into custody but later released without charges. A manhunt is ongoing for the actual shooter.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated that those responsible will be held accountable, outlining the state’s commitment to justice.

President Donald Trump condemned the political climate surrounding Kirk’s death, blaming extreme rhetoric and violence.

In a statement, he remembered Kirk as a patriot who advocated for open debate. Following the incident, vigils were held nationwide, and classes at the university have been cancelled.

Ongoing Investigation

As investigations continue, American flags will fly at half-staff until Sunday in honour of Kirk.

“I want to be very clear that this is a political assassination,” Utah Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican, told a news conference.

“And I just want to remind people that we still have the death penalty here in the state of Utah.

The Utah Department of Public Safety said that its State Crime Lab was “working with multiple active crime scenes”.

“These were identified based on where the victim was shot, as well as the locations where the suspect and victim travelled,” a department statement said.

“The shooting is believed to be a targeted attack. The shooter is believed to have fired from the roof of a building down to the location of the public event in the student courtyard.”