The Australian government on Thursday approved Qatar Airways' move to buy a 25% stake in Virgin Australia from U.S. private equity firm Bain Capital saying the deal would deliver more international flights and support jobs.

Qatar Airways Ltd.’s acquisition of a 25% stake in Virgin Australia can proceed subject to enforceable conditions, Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers said, adding the deal would improve competition in the country’s highly-concentrated aviation sector.

Qatar Airways has finally received regulatory approval to take a 25% minority stake in Virgin Australia paving the way for international collaboration.

Australia on Thursday approved Qatar Airways buying a 25% stake in Virgin Australia from U.S. private equity firm Bain Capital, posing a challenge for national flag carrier Qantas that has long dominated Australian air routes.

Australian travellers are set to benefit after a deeper strategic partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways Group was given the green light by the Australian Government. Qatar Airways Group's minority 25 per cent investment in Virgin Australia has now received Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval following the federal Treasurer's announcement today.

Qatar's minority 25 per cent stake in Virgin Australia has been approved by the Federal Government with VA long-haul flights to Doha starting on 1 June.

Qatar Airways has clinched regulatory approval for a 25% investment in Virgin Australia, paving the way for the Australian carrier to eventually restart long-haul operations.

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Treasurer Jim Chalmers has given the green light for Qatar Airways to buy a 25% stake in Virgin Australia, as part of a strategic alliance. The deal will shake up the Australian aviation market. The announcement follows a detailed assessment by the Foreign Investment Review Board,

Passengers and the aviation industry are expected to benefit from improved competition after a deal between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia was approved.