Virgin announced on Oct. 1 that Qatar aims to acquire a 25% stake in the Australian airline from owner Bain Capital. The pair are already strategic partners, and the stake would lead them to strengthen their relationship, the carriers said. The Qatar Airways interest has been previously reported.

Qatar Airways will buy a 25% stake in Virgin Australia from U.S. private equity firm Bain Capital, posing a tougher contest for Qantas Airways that has dominated Australian routes and pushed back against giving access to the Middle Eastern carrier.

Bain Capital may have made a big splash on Tuesday with its announcement it had finally clinched a deal with Qatar Airways to buy 25 per cent of Virgin Australia, but what the private equity firm remained coy on was the price.

The deal with Bain Capital will allow the Gulf carrier to effectively bypass government approvals for more flights, creating a formidable rival for Qantas.

(Reuters) -Qatar Airways plans to buy a 25% stake in Australia's No. 2 airline Virgin Australia from U.S. private equity firm Bain Capital, the companies said in a joint statement on Tuesday. The purchase of the minority stake for an undisclosed amount will serve as a cornerstone investment ahead of an anticipated return of Virgin Australia into public ownership,

Qatar Airways’ previous attempts to expand in Australia haven’t always gone smoothly. But will Qantas be worried regardless?

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

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 will buy a 25% stake in Virgin Australia in a massive shakeup of Australia’s aviation market that will offer huge benefits to Australian travellers.

Virgin Australia could soon be part-owned by Qatar Airways, opening a major Australia to the Middle East route to the roster by mind-2025.

Qatar Airways will buy a 25% stake in Australia's No. 2 airline Virgin Australia from U.S. private equity firm Bain Capital, the companies said on Tuesday, as the Gulf carrier looks for access into Australian routes that the government denied last year.