Dhaka, Aug. 6 -- Virgin Australia's plan to allow pets in the cabin is finally on track, with the airline confirming it expects to launch the service by the end of 2025 - more than a year after first announcing the move.

A key regulatory hurdle was cleared last month when Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) approved changes to the Food Standards Code, allowing small cats and dogs to travel in airline-approved carriers under the seat in front of their owner.

The delay, according to Virgin CEO Dave Emerson, was largely due to food safety regulations. "Aircraft are treated like restaurants under aviation rules, so we had to secure exemptions to allow pets," he said at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit in Cairns.

FSANZ assessed the r...