Qantas announces joint Qantas-Emirates network is open for purchase

Qantas announced (22-Jan-2013) customers can start purchasing tickets on the joint Qantas-Emirates network for travel from 31-Mar-2013, however travel between Australia and New Zealand is still subject to regulatory approval. Qantas International CEO Simon Hickey said: "No airline can fly everywhere but the combined Qantas and Emirates network means our customers can fly to a wide range of destinations and earn frequent flyer points in the process." Mr Hickey said Qantas customers would experience significant time savings to European destinations. For example, flying from Sydney to Barcelona on the existing Qantas network requires stops in Singapore and London. On the combined Qantas-Emirates network this same trip would require only a single stop in Dubai and take three hours less. Qantas Frequent Flyer members can earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points and status credits on Qantas marketed services operated by Emirates for travel from 31-Mar-2013. Emirates and Qantas are finalising other details of their partnership, including joint pricing, schedules and additional frequent flyer benefits. [more - original PR]