LABELLED by Qantas as “seismic” when it first signed a joint-venture partnership with Emirates in 2013, the two carriers last month decided to extend the agreement for another five years — testament to the benefits of the tie-up provided to both carriers.
Qantas and Emirates have existing approvals from regulators to operate a joint business until March 2023, with the extension now seeking re-authorisation from regulators, including the ACCC, to continue the core elements of the partnership which encompasses coordination of pricing, schedules, sales and tourism marketing on approved routes until 2028.
“The premise of our partnership with Emirates has always been that no airline can fly everywhere but combined we can fly to most of the places our joint customers want to travel to,” Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said.
The latest deal includes an option to renew for another five years beyond 2028.
