Qantas and Emirates global partnership now official

[xtemujin 0]

Deadline nears for Qantas-Emirates decision

By australianaviation.com.au | 10 December 2012 Monday | 1:32 pm

 

Australia’s competition watchdog has affirmed plans to rule on the proposed Qantas-Emirates alliance before Christmas, saying it will release a draft decision by Dec. 20.

 

ACCC Chairman Rod Sims told Fairfax that officials from the organisation were busy writing what would be a long draft decision and said an early release of the verdict was possible but not likely.

 

The tie-up, announced in September and scheduled to take effect in April 2013, would see Qantas re-route most of its Europe-bound traffic through Dubai. Qantas has said it needs the alliance in order to survive as an international carrier.

 

Rival Virgin Australia, which operates its own alliance with Etihad, has argued that the Qantas-Emirates tie-up is too broad and would hurt consumers. But the deal has received strong support from government, airports and tourism organisations.

 

http://australianaviation.com.au/2012/12/deadline-nears-for-qantas-emirates-decision/

Edited December 11, 2012 by xtemujin

[KK Lee 5]

Australia regulator backs Qantas-Emirates deal

Qantas Airways has been given initial approval from Australia's competition authority for its proposed alliance with Dubai-based Emirates.

 

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said the benefits of the tie-up - such as co-ordinating ticket prices and schedules - would outweigh the reduced competition.

It will make a final decision in March.

 

Qantas and Emirates announced their alliance plans back in September. Neither is investing in the other.

"The ACCC considers that the alliance is likely to result in material, although not substantial, benefits to Australian consumers," ACCC chairman Rod Sims said in a statement.

 

"The main benefit arising from the alliance is an improved product and service offering by the two airlines to their customers.

 

Qantas is seeking the alliance as it aims to turnaround its loss-making international service.

"A key objective is to make Qantas International strong and viable, and bring it back to profitability," said Alan Joyce, chief executive of Qantas.

 

"This partnership will help us do that."

 

The tie-up with Emirates will see Qantas end its existing relationship with British Airways.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20793570

[Mohd Azizul Ramli 2]

It's started! EK flights to MAN and MXP are now bearing the QF codes too.

 

http://airlineroute.net/2013/01/15/qfek-s13codeshare-update1/

[Mohd Azizul Ramli 2]

EK code is now on 34 flights operated by QF. http://airlineroute.net/2013/01/29/ekqf-codeshare-s13/

[Mohd Azizul Ramli 2]

 

 

As we gear up to launch our exciting new partnership with Qantas, we're pleased to bring you details on what to expect when travelling with Qantas as an Emirates Skywards member.

From 31 March 2013* earn and redeem Skywards Miles when you travel across the Qantas international and domestic network. While Miles can only be earned on Qantas domestic flights that are part of an international journey, you can book reward flights on any Qantas international or domestic flight. With our combined network of 175 destinations within Australia and around the world, you'll be spoilt for choice. Please click here to see how many Miles you can earn and redeem for a flight with Qantas.

 

Many Qantas flights will operate with a 5000 series Emirates marketed flight number, bookable via emirates.com or your local travel agent. On these flights you will earn tier Miles just as you do today when flying on an Emirates aircraft. Skywards tier Miles will not be available on flights operated by Qantas under a Qantas flight number. So to continue moving up through the tiers, always remember to book on an Emirates flight code.

With more destinations, enhanced earning and redemption options and recognition through our shared network, the Emirates-Qantas partnership will bring you a world of opportunities.

We look forward to welcoming you, as you begin to take advantage.

[S V Choong 4]

Here is what QF sent us as a member of their Frequent Flyer Programme:

 

 

Where could the Qantas and Emirates partnership take you?

In September last year we were excited to announce a new partnership between Qantas and Emirates. Now, we're pleased to bring you some more of the details.

In short, for travel from 31 March 2013 (subject to government and regulatory approvals) as a Qantas Frequent Flyer you'll be able to earn and use points when flying on the Emirates network. And eligible members will also be able to use Emirates lounges across Australia, Europe, Asia, North Africa and the Middle East.

That means more flights and more choice for every Frequent Flyer.

Here's how it will work:

Earning points and Status credits

From 31 March 2013, many Emirates flights will also operate with a QF flight number. On these you'll earn points and Status credits just as you do today on a regular Qantas flight*. On Emirates flights with an EK (Emirates) flight number, you'll earn points at a partner rate (though Status credits will not be earned).

You'll find more details about earning points and Status credits at qantas.com/emirates

Using your points

You can book flights with points right now, for travel from 31 March 2013, using Points Plus Pay and Any Seat Awards. You'll also be able to book Classic Awards on Emirates flights across the globe from 31 March (again, subject to government and regulatory approvals).

Lounge access

From 31 March 2013, Qantas lounge benefits will generally extend to the Emirates lounges.

This means that Qantas Gold Frequent Flyers and above will be able to visit Emirates Lounges throughout Australia, Europe, Asia, North Africa and the Middle East, whenever flying with Qantas or Emirates. And in Dubai, Qantas Platinum Frequent Flyers and above will have access to the Emirates First Lounge, while Qantas Gold Frequent Flyers can relax in the comfort of the Emirates Business Lounges.

Meanwhile, Qantas Club members will continue to have access to lounges across the Qantas network, as well as being able to use the Emirates Business Lounge in Dubai and the American Airlines Admirals Club^® in London (when flying Qantas or Emirates between Australia, Dubai and London).

Find out more

International Checked Baggage allowances

As a result of the partnership with Emirates, Qantas will align its ticketed checked baggage allowances as well as the additional Frequent Flyer and Qantas Club allowances to that of Emirates for all international flights between and within Europe, Asia, North Africa the Middle East and Australia. Subject to regulatory approvals, regardless of whether you travel on Qantas or Emirates on these services, your overall baggage allowance will be the same (with the exception of sporting goods and infant allowances).

To better enable a seamless customer experience, Qantas will be moving from a piece and weight system, to a weight system, for all international flights excluding those to/from the Americas. These allowances will apply for flights booked from 26 February 2013, for travel from 31 March 2013.

To find out how these changes may affect your journey, visit qantas.com/checkedbaggage

It's a historic new partnership

The end result of the Qantas and Emirates partnership? Simpler and more efficient travel, with more direct and one-stop flights from Australia to Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

Add to that improved and expanded Frequent Flyer opportunities, streamlined baggage allowances and lounge access for your convenience, and we think there's plenty to get excited about. Find out more atqantas.com/qantasandemirates

We look forward to welcoming you on board again soon.

 

Source: Qantas

[Naim 6]

For background news see:

 

http://australianaviation.com.au/2013/03/a380-formation-flight-to-mark-qantas-emirates-alliance/

 

This morning, it's all over now. I only realised it after seeing pics on twitter, which I reproduce here.

 

#1

Flightradar24.com ‏@flightradar24 12m

Another picture of the flyover. Thanks Shaun for sending us the picture.

 

 

#2

Trent Lidstone ‏@trentlidstone 1h

Wider shot @QantasAirways #emirates #a380

 

 

#3

GypsySanderson Georgina Sanderson 57m

Loved seeing the beautiful A380s of @QantasAirways and @EmiratesAirLDN #flyover #sydney #eastertreats #thankyou!

 

 

#4

There're videos of this.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkTJSqSERYE

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAojZsRqFYQ

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38cuUzkoVV0

 

===

[Simon 3]

Wow, cool pics and video. Thanks for sharing.

[Naim 6]

More photos here : https://m.facebook.com/home.php?refsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F&mds=%2Fsharer-dialog.php%3Fsid%3D10151368299822686%26_ft_%3Dqid.5861340787722543631%253Amf_story_key.332557440199789&mdf=1&__user=100000201284539#!/media/set/?set=a.10151368299822686.1073741831.8662337685&type=1&__user=100000201284539

[S V Choong 4]

So it seems like the ACCC had approved of this partnership then.

 

All systems are go!

Edited March 31, 2013 by S V Choong