Virgin Australia and Japan’s largest airline, ANA, All Nippon Airways, have announced a significantly expanded partnership to include increased levels of codeshare co-operation in addition to a series of member loyalty benefits and seamless travel across both carriers’ networks.

From now, Velocity Frequent Flyer members can earn Points and Status Credits when travelling on ANA operated flights across more than 130 destinations in the global ANA network including Japan, Asia, North America and Europe.

For the first time, guests can also book airfares on ANA operated flights between Australia and Japan at and the announcement follows the launch of Virgin Australia’s inaugural service between Cairns and Tokyo (Haneda) last month.

The airline’s partnership with ANA will unlock benefits across 12 domestic connections for travellers within Japan, including Sapporo, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Osaka-Itami, Kochi, Osaka-Kansai, Kumamoto, Nagoya, Nagasaki, Oita, Okinawa and Miyazaki.

Velocity Frequent Flyer CEO, Nick Rohrlach said the expanded partnership marks a significant milestone for Virgin Australia and Velocity Frequent Flyer, as international network growth through its world-leading airline partners remains a focus.

“We are incredibly excited to be expanding our partnership with ANA, creating more value and choice for our guests and members, as we connect them to more destinations than ever before,” he said.

“From today, our 11.5 million members can earn Points and Status Credits on flights to more than 130 additional destinations through ANA’s global network across Japan, Asia, North America and Europe.

“Following the commencement of our inaugural Cairns to Tokyo (Haneda) service last month, it is fantastic to be opening up more opportunities for our guests and members when travelling to, and within, Japan, with the nation’s largest airline.

“We are laser focused on securing new ways for our members to earn Points and we know that Japan is an Australian-favourite for holidaying and business travel.

“We are very proud of this partnership with ANA, All Nippon Airways, and look forward to seeing our guests and members enjoy the choice, benefits and rewards that the alignment offers,” he said.

The partnership will see Silver, Gold and Platinum members travelling on an ANA operated flight with a Virgin Australia flight number earn bonus Points on miles flown, in addition to the base Points earned.

Silver members earn 50 per cent bonus Points, Gold members earn 75 per cent bonus Points and Platinum members earn 100 per cent bonus Points in addition to the base Points earned.

Velocity Gold and Platinum members travelling on select ANA operated flights will receive benefits including priority check-in, priority baggage and additional checked baggage allowance.