Turkish Airlines explores partnership with Rex
TK is putting together the pieces for its entry into Australia skies.
By David Flynn, December 21 2023
With Turkish Airlines getting the go-ahead for daily flights to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane into the bargain, the Istanbul-based airline says it’s now in discussions with Rex to serve as its Australian partner.
This could allow inbound travellers on Turkish Airlines to book a single itinerary by adding local Rex flights onto their TK ticket – and, if taken the full distance, could also align the Star Alliance member’s Miles&Smiles rewards program with the newly-launched Rex Flyer scheme when it comes to earning points and enjoying status benefits.
“We have already commercial cooperation with Australian airlines that allow our passengers to reach Australia," Turkish Airlines Chairman Ahmet Bolat told Aviation Week.
“Our team responsible is already negotiating with another partner in Australia – Rex is a respected airline and, as we see it, is expanding firmly in the domestic Australia market.”
“The steady increase in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth operations of Rex attracted our attention,” Bolat added.
(And yes, “Perth” is not yet on Rex’s intercity 737 map, although Bolat is perhaps speaking to the carrier’s long-standing desire to expand its national jet network.)
“A source close to Rex confirmed talks with Turkish Airlines had taken place,” Aviation Week also noted, although when approached by Executive Traveller, a spokesperson for Rex declined to comment.
As previously reported, Turkish Airlines is now readying a launch of flights from Istanbul to Australia via Singapore in early 2024.
And while this was initially seen as a choice between Sydney or Melbourne, the new allocation of 21 flights per week between Türkiye and Australia could open up both cities to welcome the red-tailed jets.
04 Sep 2019
Total posts 67
good news story for turkish airways, rex and australian customers on the east coast
05 Jun 2015
Total posts 6
Interesting that they are not working with Virgin Australia who's cosying up more with Star alliance airlines
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Nov 2017
Total posts 343
Likely because of VA's major partnership with QR, who are direct rivals of TK, as well as VA's minor partnership with EY. Add in the QF/EK partnership and that leaves ZL for TK.
22 May 2011
Total posts 86
I did a status match with Turkish - in Feb 2020…alas I couldn’t actually use it due to border closures. I requested another one since there’s no better time than to try Turkish! I was told nope, you get it once and that’s it.
Would have been nice to try Turkish but guess my business remains with oneworld!
QF
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 997
There is two ways to look at this, Virgin would be a better fit with more options and also strengthen Star Alliance in Australia it would also make Virgin a stand alone player that would be worth investing in. Virgin not getting Turkish Airlines in it's corner would also suggest a deal with Qatar is already done.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
24 Jan 2018
Total posts 755
Very astutely observed. Although, Qatar Airways image issues remain complex - and un-resolved. But your observation leads me to wondering why Qatar remains in OneWorld? I'd have thought it would have much to gain from Star Alliance membership than either OneWorld or SkyTeam. And, sooner or later, either (or both) Etihad and Emirates will join one of the three alliances. Turkish and Qatar are interesting to watch.
09 May 2020
Total posts 567
Depends who is the suitor and who is being wooed.
QR is probably hedging on interline partnerships while evaluating the value of staying in OW, which probably needs certain big players to maintain connectivity and volume on certain routes and as long as EK and EY are not with any group alliance, QR is still competitive in their network footprint and has major Australian supporters (in VA) in their push for increasing presence. VA probably has to give up a bit more for their Velocity membership to enjoy QR privileges and stressing QR’s relationships with OW airlines, particularly QF their direct competitors in this region.
EK and EY have survived long enough out of any group alliance so far and their large network meant joining one will throttle any future expansion or increasing volume into major ports, so there are no expectations for future alliance membership unless they are shrinking.
As an aside, frankly I thought the government would have a harder time explaining why TK was given more access while QR wasn’t (clearly the treatment of female QR pax at Doha was a major determinant) but I guess the media were too busy in the lead up to Xmas with the new war and domestic matters including natural disasters a fantastic distraction; kudos to King’s media team for timing of the announceables.
07 Mar 2022
Total posts 65
I see Turkish Airlines have Around The World Business Class for $7972.00 from Australia.
22 Sep 2017
Total posts 93
T-Rex anyone?
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
26 Jun 2011
Total posts 76
Don't know that they've ever been used as a mode of transport. But they can't fly, therefore travel time wouldn't be convenient for most, not to mention finding an operational frame is non-existent these days.
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