The first notice of the Chinese drills in the Tasman Sea came in a radio transmission on an emergency frequency monitored by a Virgin Australia passenger jet on Friday, according to Australian officials. The Virgin pilot relayed the information to ...

The new appointment will replace Jayne Hrdlicka, who announced she was stepping down a year ago, and ticks another box for Virgin to list on the Australian sharemarket.

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.

Virgin Australia has revealed its new chief executive a year after Jayne Hrdlick announced she was leaving. The announcement that Dave Emerson will take over came as Ms Hrdlicka revealed the airline recorded half year underlying earnings of $439m off $3bn in revenue.

Australian travellers could face cheaper airfares after Qatar Airways' 25 per cent stake in Virgin Australia was approved by the federal government.

Virgin Australia has promoted chief commercial officer Dave Emerson to the role of chief executive officer, succeeding Jayne Hrdlicka.