Australian airline Qantas is expected to ink a codeshare deal with
Dubai-based Emirates Airline as early as next week, it was reported on
Friday.
Speculation has been rife that Qantas, which is losing money on its international routes, could enter a tie-up with the UAE carrier that would give it greater access to passengers travelling from Dubai.
The Australian reported on Friday that the deal could be completed next week, well ahead of expectations, without citing its sources.
Speaking earlier this month, Emirates chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum told reporters that a code-sharing agreement would likely happen within six months, but would not include any revenue-sharing arrangement.
However, Qantas boss Joyce said at the time the airline was in no rush to strike a deal with Emirates.
Depending on how the deal is structured, it will give Qantas passengers access to Emirates' European network of more than 30 destinations while giving Emirates access to Australian passengers outside the capital cities it currently serves.
The move is also seen as countering the advantage Virgin Australia has with its alliance with Abu Dhabi-based Etihad.
The codeshare is part of a plan to turn around the airline’s ailing international operations, which lost $450m last year.
Last week Qantas also cancelled orders for 35 Boeing Dreamliner aircraft.
Speculation has been rife that Qantas, which is losing money on its international routes, could enter a tie-up with the UAE carrier that would give it greater access to passengers travelling from Dubai.
The Australian reported on Friday that the deal could be completed next week, well ahead of expectations, without citing its sources.
Speaking earlier this month, Emirates chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum told reporters that a code-sharing agreement would likely happen within six months, but would not include any revenue-sharing arrangement.
However, Qantas boss Joyce said at the time the airline was in no rush to strike a deal with Emirates.
Depending on how the deal is structured, it will give Qantas passengers access to Emirates' European network of more than 30 destinations while giving Emirates access to Australian passengers outside the capital cities it currently serves.
The move is also seen as countering the advantage Virgin Australia has with its alliance with Abu Dhabi-based Etihad.
The codeshare is part of a plan to turn around the airline’s ailing international operations, which lost $450m last year.
Last week Qantas also cancelled orders for 35 Boeing Dreamliner aircraft.
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