QANTAS has partnered with Air New Zealand on a wide-reaching reciprocal domestic codeshare agreement (TD breaking news), with the pact seeing NZ maintain connectivity following the cessation of its long-running trans-Tasman alliance with Virgin Australia in Oct (TD 05 Apr).
The tie-up aims to cut journey times and “make travel easier”, with up to 30 routes on Air New Zealand’s domestic network to carry the QF code, while NZ will codeshare on up to 85 Qantas domestic routes across Australia.
The airlines will coordinate on airport operations to provide shorter connection times and open up more onward flights.
Air NZ chief exec Christopher Luxon said the agreement would provide travellers with “a full service experience when they make domestic connections within New Zealand or Australia.
“While the two airlines will continue to compete very strongly across all markets…we are confident that our respective customers will enjoy the reciprocal benefits on both sides of the Tasman,” Luxon said.
The agreement excludes Trans-Tasman flights, with Qantas stating it would continue to codeshare on all connecting Jetstar New Zealand services.
The two carriers’ ceos noted that over time the partnership may see them explore “areas of mutual interest”, including research into biofuels, freight and ground-handling opportunities.
Tickets for the codeshare services will go on sale by the end of Jul for travel from 28 Oct.
Source: traveldaily