Qantas, Emirates fly two million in two years

Dubai: Qantas and Emirates have flown more than two million code-share passengers since launching the partnership two years ago, the Australasian airline said on Thursday.

Qantas and Emirates entered into the revenue sharing partnership in 2013, which saw Qantas end its almost 15 year relationship with British Airways and move its London-bound Singapore hub operations to Dubai.

“Customer satisfaction levels have reached record heights with a double digit increase in advocacy scores being received by international travellers as Qantas continues to develop its partnership strategy,” Gareth Evans, Qantas International’s chief executive, said in an emailed statement.

Under the partnership, Qantas flights code-share to more than 70 destinations with Emirates in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Meanwhile, Emirates flights code-share to more than 50 destinations and 5,000 flights a week on Qantas’ Australian network.

“The partnership also provides added value to our customers, with fast one-stop connectivity via our hub in Dubai between five Australian cities and 37 European cities; as well as comprehensive stopover products for travellers wishing to experience the dynamic city of Dubai. In addition, customers can earn and redeem frequent flyer rewards when travelling with either Emirates or Qantas,” stated Thierry Antinori, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Emirates airline.

In February, Qantas reported its best half-year result in four years Qantas with its international unit turning a profitfor the first time in the history of the Emirates partnership. The airline made 203 million Australian dollars for the six months ending December 31, 2014 compared to a A$235 million (Dh654 million) statutory loss it reported a year earlier.