Virgin Australia is set to allow pets on planes by the end of the year.
The airline first unveiled plans to allow pets in the cabin more than a year ago.
The airline has received the OK from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) to carry small animals in the cabin.
It says the final say on pets in the cabin will rest with the pilot in charge.
“There were a lot of regulatory changes that needed to be put in place including … that under aviation regulations, an aeroplane is considered to be a restaurant for the purposes of food service regulation,” new airline CEO Emerson said.
“We’re looking forward to launching pets onboard before the end of the year.”
The busy Sydney–Melbourne shuttle service is expected to be one the first routes to accommodate pets in flight.
Qantas does not allow pets in the cabin, only in the aircraft hold.
Under Virgin’s new policy, non-service pets will remain in an approved pet carrier that can be placed under the seat.
Travellers with pets will be seated in designated rows, Virgin said.
Assistance and service animals like guide dogs are already allowed in the cabin.
