The revelation will add to scepticism that the deal for Qatar to acquire a stake in Virgin is being done to circumvent rules preventing it from flying more services out of Australia.

Virgin Australia’s planned return to international long-haul flying via a controversial new deal with Qatar Airways has set the stage for another battle with Qantas, with Australia’s biggest airline to oppose the proposed arrangement as bilateral air rights by stealth.

Qatar Airways' investment is expected to intensify competition in Australia’s aviation sector, providing travellers with more choices and lower fares.