Qantas has expanded its China network with the signing of a new codeshare agreement with China Southern Airlines that is also expected to deliver tourism benefits to Australia from the fast growing market.
Under the deal, Qantas passengers can fly with the Chinese carrier to its Guangzhou hub from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth and onwards to four Chinese cities – Xiamen, Kunming, Fuzhou and Urumqi.
China Southern passengers will be able to fly on 10 Qantas-operated services within Australia and to New Zealand including Cairns, Adelaide and Canberra in a bid to encourage Chinese travellers to explore more cities.
Chief executive Alan Joyce underlined partnership as the “key” to its Asia strategy insisting its presence on the continent has “never been stronger”.
“This is great news for the increasing number of Qantas customers travelling to China for business and leisure because it simplifies their journey and opens up new destinations,” he said.
“Qantas is now in a unique position of having commercial relationships with the three biggest carriers in Greater China.”
The airline already has a codeshare arrangement with China Eastern and, through Oneworld, a relationship with Cathay Pacific – although the latter has somewhat soured as the Hong Kong-based carrier battles its efforts to establish Jetstar Hong Kong.
One sixth of Qantas' total revenue now comes from Asia, Joyce continued.
Meanwhile, China Southern chairman, Si Xianmin, said the deal “blazes a new and exciting trail” for the relationship between the two carriers.
"We welcome this move because it will give our passengers greater access to Australia and will also open up Australian tourism to a leisure and business market that is growing by 20% a year," he said.
“It also sets a new model for China Southern to explore the international market together with international airlines."
The codeshare services will be available for booking and travel from early 2014.
