Qantas’ trans-Tasman deal with Emirates is set to take off on August 14, 2013.
Together, the airlines will operate around 130 services per week from Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown to Australian east coast cities – then onwards to more than 65 destinations in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. Existing capacity on trans-Tasman routes that both Qantas and Emirates fly has been guaranteed as part of regulatory approvals.
Emirates’ trans-Tasman services are operated by the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777, while Qantas’ services are operated by a dedicated fleet of next generation Boeing 737-800s.
Qantas’ Executive Manager, International Sales, Stephen Thompson, said the partnership was great news for New Zealand travellers and local tourism.
“New Zealand was part of the Qantas-Emirates vision from the start and since receiving government approval in May our teams have been working hard towards switching the partnership on,” Thompson said.
“From mid-August New Zealanders will be able to take full advantage of the network, lounges and frequent flyer opportunities available with Qantas and Emirates, tapping into a comprehensive trans-Tasman schedule and a vast range of international destinations.
“The partnership is also good news for inbound tourism, with both airlines selling New Zealand’s world-class tourism attractions around the world.
“Wellington and Queenstown are likely to benefit considerably, as these are Qantas destinations that Emirates will now offer to their global customer base for the first time.”
The deal includes aligned fares, frequent flyer benefits and codeshare arrangements.
“The trans-Tasman link is a key piece of the Emirates-Qantas jigsaw and further strengthens what we can deliver to passengers under the partnership,” said Barry Brown, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations East.
“From New Zealand, we will now be able to offer travel out of Wellington and Queenstown, in addition to Auckland and Christchurch.
“Overall, weekly departures from New Zealand will go from 28 to over 140, jointly reaching 55 points in Australia, and of course, onwards to our magnificent hub in Dubai.”