Virgin Australia to debut Velocity Platinum frequent flyer level

Virgin Australia's overhaul of its Velocity frequent flyer rewards scheme will include a new top-tier Velocity Platinum level, above the existing Velocity Gold ceiling, as the airline formerly known as Virgin Blue goes toe-to-toe with Qantas in a battle for Australia's business travellers.

A spokesperson for Velocity Rewards confirmed the new level would be introduced as part of the Velocity revamp slated for later this year, which is already tipped to include a closer relationship to the Coles FlyBuy scheme and possibly a new name and brand for the entire loyalty program.

As yet there is no word on how Virgin Australia passengers will qualify for the premium status level, or what privileges it will offer over Velocity Gold tier.

Qantas has already announced a Platinum One super-level for its own Frequent Flyer program, with the airline telling Australian Business Traveller that benefits will include more upgrades, earlier notice of upgrades and also a 'high touch' service approach.

Virgin Australia has also opened the doors of its lounges – including the new Melbourne Airport lounge and Sydney Airport's kerbside premium lounge entry – to Qantas Frequent Flyer gold and platinum members under a limited-time 'status recognition' deal which runs until Friday July 22.