Virgin Australia announced today it has won part of Rio Tinto’s global contract for air travel services.

One of the largest mining and resources groups in the world, Rio Tinto instigated a formal Request For Proposal (RFP) process in February 2011, engaging airlines around the world to pitch for its air travel business. It is the first time in Virgin Australia’s history that the airline has secured a preferred contractual relationship with Rio Tinto.

Virgin Australia General Manager of Sales Justin Montgomery said: “This is an outstanding achievement for our airline and we look forward to providing Rio Tinto with the best possible service. We are committed to expanding our network to further support Rio Tinto in their air travel program objectives and we will continue to look at opportunities as part of the relationship.

“Over the past year we have achieved significant progress in repositioning Virgin Australia as an airline that caters to all market segments and this has already seen us make significant gains in the government and business market. The Rio Tinto contract is one of our most important business wins yet and demonstrates that we now offer a compelling proposition for large global companies”, Mr Montgomery said.

Qantas Airways will however, remain the major air services provider for the miner’s Australian and international operations.

The Flying Kangaroo said its decade-long association with Rio Tinto has been extended for a further three years after both signed a new agreement.

In a statement on Thursday, Qantas group executive commercial Rob Gurney reiterated the Flying Kangaroo had been Rio Tinto's preferred airline for more than 10 years.