Posted on August 30, 2010 by Fiona Hilliard

Planning a trip to Australia any time soon?

Good news – your travel itinerary just got a whole lot more flexible.

Virgin Blue, Australia’s second biggest airline has announced a new deal with Etihad.

In a statement, the airline said it would partner Abu Dhabi-based Etihad to reach over 100 destinations.  In doing so, it will become the first Australian carrier to offer its services in the Middle East since 1991.

The partnership between Etihad and Virgin Blue will give the potential for 27 flights every week between Australia and Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub.  Passengers will even be able to join onward Etihad flights booked on one ticket from Virgin Australia.

Etihad’s network covers 65 destinations, both long and short haul in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa, Asia and Australia.

Commenting on the new deal, Virgin Blue boss John Borghetti said it was “a real game changer.”

Aviation analyst for the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) said the deal was more convenient for travellers than the Qantas-British Airways agreement on the so-called “Kangaroo” route between London and Australia.

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