Qantas and Emirates have welcomed the New Zealand Minister for Transport’s decision to approve their partnership for five years.
The partnership will provide New Zealand customers with stronger links to Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and the UK, as well as frequent flyer benefits.
Qantas and Emirates applied for authorisation of the partnership under the Civil Aviation Act.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the decision was great news for global travellers and local tourism.
“This decision means that New Zealand consumers can tap into the lounges, frequent flyer benefits and destinations available under the joint Qantas and Emirates network,” said Mr Joyce.
“The partnership also opens the door to increased tourism opportunities for New Zealand, by making it easier for travellers across both Qantas and Emirates’ network to connect more seamlessly across the Tasman,” he added.
President of Emirates Tim Clark, said: “Dubai is a leading global hub and through it, our two airlines will connect New Zealand to Europe, the UK and Northern Africa more smoothly than ever before.”
From Dubai, passengers and freight can connect to 65 destinations in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Almost all of these connections to Europe and most to North Africa are available within four hours of landing in Dubai.
Qantas and Emirates operate a total of 129 flights per week between Australia and New Zealand on a mix of B737, A380 and B777 aircraft.
Brisbane gets A380 for NZ service
Hot on the heels of the Qantas – Emirates announcement came the news that Emirates is to introduce an A380 on the Brisbane-Auckland route.
Emirates Airlines will add an Airbus A380 on the Dubai–Brisbane-Auckland route from 2 October 2013.
The introduction of the Airbus A380 on Emirates’ daily flights between Dubai-Brisbane-Auckland will increase capacity by nearly 3700 seats per week. The route is currently serviced by the Boeing 777-300ER.
The Emirates A380 is set in a three-class configuration, with 399 seats in Economy Class on the lower level and 76 fully flat-bed, mini-pods in Business Class as well as 14 First Class Private Suites on the upper level. Passengers in the First Class cabin can freshen up in one of two on-board Shower Spas before joining fellow premium class travellers in the On-Board Lounge for complimentary beverages and canapés. (241)
