Article from BTNews 4 SEPTEMBER 2017
Routes shake-up at Qantas
An extension of its partnership with Emirates for a further five years while making route and aircraft changes has been announced by Qantas, with the daily flight between Sydney and London transiting through Singapore rather than Emirates’ hub at Dubai.
The Australian carrier said the proposed changes were a reflection of customer demand and would increase choice for passengers and allow frequent flyers more opportunities to earn and redeem miles.
The Sydney – London switch is the biggest change, while the daily Melbourne – Singapore flight will be upgraded from an Airbus A330 to an A380. Observers see the move as proof of Qantas’ intention to concentrate on Asia and leave European routes to Emirates.
In another change already announced, Qantas is replacing the Melbourne – London service via Dubai with a Boeing B787 Dreamliner service from Perth.
The carrier said the adjustments will deliver financial advantages to itself and Emirates, with Qantas’ net benefit estimated at more than AU$80m (about £49m) a year from the 2019 financial year onwards.
For Emirates, the partnership gives access to more than 60 Australian destinations not currently served and for Qantas access to 40-plus cities in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, not served by itself.
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