Qantas and British Airways split: joint venture ends March 2013
By David Flynn, September 6 2012
Qantas and British Airways will abandon their joint venture partnership next year as Qantas moves towards a similar but more expansive global arrangement with Emirates.
The Aussie and British national flag-carriers will go their own way as of March 31, 2013, marking the end of an almost 15 year collaboration.
However, Qantas and BA will continue to work together as part of the oneworld alliance and through bilateral codeshares.
"Over the past 17 years the joint business with British Airways has been central to the Qantas network" said Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce, announcing the news at a press conference in Sydney this morning.
"Our relationship with British Airways is an important part of the Qantas story. However, global operating conditions have changed and partnership with Emirates is the right strategy for Qantas."
Joyce said that he and Willie Walsh, CEO of British Airways parent International Airlines Group, "have agreed that the time is right to wind up the Joint Services Agreement. We both value the relationship very highly and our two airlines will continue to work together."
“We’re ending the joint business on amicable terms and support Qantas’ decision to work with Emirates" IAG chief executive Willie Walsh said in a statement issued to the media. "The world has changed since 1995 when the joint business started."
"This is a small part of our overall network and this move fits in with changes in our global strategy. Asia has become a key market focus for IAG and we’re talking to a number of airlines about alternative options for us."
Qantas says it will contact any customers due to travel after 31 March 2013 whose bookings may be affected by changes to the joint business, to discuss alternative travel options.
Also read: What the Qantas-Emirates alliance means for London and UK travel
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David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
13 Dec 2011
Total posts 30
I think this will mean more BA services into Australia (including MEL) which will maintain the "Kangaroo Route" for those that prefer it over the new "Falcon Route"
10 Apr 2012
Total posts 59
There are other options.If you can get a US OR Canadian Visa and get into either country via LA,San Francisco or Vancouver then try United or Air Canada if going via Dubai isn't your thing,Otherwise Tokyo on JAL or Seoul on Korean Air are looking all the more tempting.The Other Winners are Thai,Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines for those of us who must have an Asian Stopover but without the shocks of Japan or Korea.
Cathay Pacific - The Marco Polo Club
07 Jun 2012
Total posts 32
I'm assuming that this means that qantas club reciprocal benefits at BA lounges will cease?
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