The week in Focus
It took a while, and there were a few false starts along the way, but Qantas finally got what it wanted and needed yesterday, a major airline alliance.
For some time now, Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce has been on a quest to forge partnerships as he strives to restore profitability to the international network.
Well now he’s got one, and a decent one too judging by the details of yesterday’s announcement.
Most critically, the alliance with Emirates will give Qantas deep reach into Europe, even if it is withdrawing from Frankfurt, its one and only continental European route.
It will also see Qantas’s codeshares with Air France into Paris and Cathay Pacific into Rome terminated, while its long-standing Joint Services Agreement with British Airways will also fall by the wayside.
But none of that will matter to Joyce.
Jumping into bed with Emirates will provide Qantas, and its millions of frequent flyers, with 33 European gateways via Dubai. Combine that with Emirates’ North Africa and the Middle East networks and the number of destinations rises to more than 70.
Virgin Australia saw the benefits of what has been dubbed a “virtual network” through the operations of others, and now Qantas has followed suit.
Emirates is quite obviously the dominant partner in the equation and concerns have been raised that Qantas will effectively be handing passengers to its alliance partner. No one can say Emirates does not have a quality product so those fears are not without foundation, even if Qantas is able to match the level of customer service offered by the Dubai-based carrier. It’s a risk it has no option but to take.
What is the alterative? To go it alone?
Australia is at the end of the world, competition is growing and the quality of those competitors is improving. You only have to look at the dwindling market share figures to know Qantas is already under intense pressure, and has been for years.
Emirates is unlikely to be the last alliance for Qantas. As promising as this deal may be, it does little to enhance Qantas’s Asia network.
Qantas is very unlikely be a global player again in its own right. Alliances are the only way to keep it on the world stage.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Latest News
UPDATED: Japan FF deals drop after Qantas rejects claims about availability
Things come to those who wait, or search diligently every day for deals. Over to you.
Carnival Cruise Line sets sail for Asia in a first for Australian-based ships
Having just experienced our first Asian cruise, we feel that this might just be the tonic for a short OS getaway.
Bhutan one step closer to establishing ‘mindfulness city’
Bhutan’s plans for a ‘mindfulness city’ are one step closer to fruition now that a law has been established which helps foreign businesses to operate in the region. Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck revealed plans to develop a mindfulness city last year in a bid to capitalise on the wellness trend and attract more […]
Travel rated second worst offender for ‘misleading pricing’, but change is coming
You might have heard of greenwashing, but have you heard of consumer-washing? Probably not, but you’ll be familiar with it. Consumer-washing is the practice of ‘misleading’ consumers when it comes to pricing. It is when customers are attracted to buy at a great price, only to find out that, once they have gone to the […]
Chimu Adventures’ Chile incentive offers ultimate famil to South America
These famils are legendary, we've seen the pictures, mostly blurry ones, but there is evidence.
Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita shuts down ahead of extensive renovation
This comes on the back of a 'Retire to Mauritius' campaign. Maybe your client wants to try before they buy?
Revealed: Full list of 2025 CLIA awards nominees ahead of sold-out event
Are scalpers circling, given it's a sold-out awards night?
Luxury Atlantis Resort heads to the Pacific after Hawaii land parcel purchase
It's a long way off, so you may want to start saving your Pacific pesos now, or set aside some super.
Rydges Armidale opens Ottoman and The Cellar in New England
Given the AUD, maybe it's time to spend a bit of still valued coin on regional tourism.
Fiji Airports boss unveils 10-year plan to position nation as premier regional hub
Fiji Airports Ltd CEO Mesake Nawari has unveiled an ambitious 10-year strategic plan, outlining significant infrastructure upgrades and enhanced passenger experiences aimed at solidifying the company’s position as a leading regional aviation hub. “We have a new strategic plan, and it’s a 10-year strategic plan, from 2025 to 2034,” Mr. Nawari told The Fiji Times. […]
Qantas Frequent Flyers alerted to email scam
Given the talk around using your points, no doubt this one will catch a few unwary FFs. Beware!
Silversea sets sail on its 2025 World Cruise
Experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, Silversea, has set sail on its 2025 World Cruise, Controtempo, taking guests to 59 destinations over 136 days. The cruise set sail from Tokyo on 13 January and arrives in New York on 29 May 2025. Guests will experience many of the most iconic cities and off-the-beaten-path gems in […]
Dusit International announces two new hotels in the Philippines
Thailand hotel and property development company Dusit International has strengthened its presence in the Philippines with two new hotels in Mindanao, set to open in late 2029. The company, represented in the Philippines by Dusit Thani Philippines Inc., has signed hotel management agreements with IDC Prime. IDC Prime is a wholly owned subsidiary of Italpinas […]
Crystal Serenity World Cruise to cover 29 countries over four continents
I'm just stepping out and may be some time, six months or so but I'll bring back a souvenir from all 83 destinations.
Melbourne Airport international terminal update but questions remain over transport links
Relief to the Melburnians who have gone as far as slamming the city's dining when posting their thoughts on socials.
Registration opens for Viking’s popular regional Australia information sessions
We expect someone will need a strong G&T and a good lie down after this extensive roadshow.
Where travellers are going to avoid sting of weak Aussie dollar
We heard Americans describe our currency as monopoly money recently. Naively we thought they just meant the colours...
Intrepid offers epic freebie for agents who sell 15 trips before December
Explore the world by helping other people to explore the world. Nice!
Marriott International opens The Park Lane Hong Kong, Autograph Collection in Causeway Bay
After a recent stay in an Autograph Collection Hotel in Singapore, we look forward to a quirky Hongkers offering.
How Elon Musk’s Space junk is delaying Qantas flights from South Africa
Does this have anything to do with Qantas not using Musk's Starlink? Or Albo having a dig?
Las Vegas adds US$1b to Marina Bay Sands Singapore expansion project
If it's not already the dominant feature of the landscape, then this development going to confirm it.
Air New Zealand offers a behind the scenes look at 2024
The year saw 3.8 million cookies be served on board. Something to look forward to next time you skip across the ditch.
Why experience gifts were all the rage this Christmas
To clarify, only good experiences count as a gift.
Danielle Galloway: Envoyage is ‘just getting started with’ shopfront openings
Great news for window cleaners as Envoyage hints at more shopfront openings.
What’s new on the Gold Coast – from farm stays to Wizard of Oz
With visitor numbers up – 12.4 million visiting the city up to September 2024 compared to the previous quarters’s 12.3 million – the Gold Coast is still one of the best loved destinations for local and international visitors. Here’s a look at whats new. NORTÉ RESTAURANT & SUEÑO ROOFTOP – Mermaid Beach The visionary team […]
Elite Havens adds luxury new villa to its portfolio
Elite Havens, a premier luxury villa rental and management provider, has added a new villa to its existing portfolio of over 250 villas now available for rent in Phuket, Thailand. The Surin Seaview Villa is a three-storey hillside retreat nestled on the hills of Phuket’s beautiful west coast and offers breathtaking views of the Andaman […]
Lunar New Year celebrations across Asia
As the Lunar New Year approaches, various destinations around Asia have announced the different celebrations they have lined up. Fire show, live band, instrumentalists, and bartenders flair show The Anam Group’s two beachfront resorts in Cam Ranh and Mui Ne will celebrate the most significant time in the Vietnamese calendar, Tet, with a broad spectrum […]
The Australian Tourism Exchange heads to Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from 27 April
The Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) will be held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from 27 April to 1 May 2025. Tourism Australia requires all sellers attending the event to submit a front panel graphic with one image representing their business for marketing purposes at ATE25, while Destination NSW requires sellers to submit a […]
New acting CEO of Destination NSW appointed
Karen Jones has commenced her role as Acting CEO of Destination NSW, taking the reins for an interim period of approximately six months. During this time, the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport will recruit for a permanent CEO. Jones brings over 27 years of leadership experience in state and local government. Most […]
Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth arrives in Townsville’s newly widened shipping channel
This type of change in channel over summer means a lot more than moving from cricket to tennis.
Velocity Frequent Flyer Bonus Points offer deadline looms
Just days before the deadline and you can't remember that password after days sunning yourself.
Business is booming in Whitsundays with massive $1.6b spend
International visitors rediscovering our natural wonders will help out local operators in tight local times.
Etihad Airways announces New Year’s sale
As the Aussie dollar drifts closer to the US 60 cent mark, we need all the savings we can get.
Tauck announces 2025 savings for solo travellers
You might start solo but who's to say you stay that way after your travels. It's the best way to get to know someone.
Unforgettable Croatia unveils ‘Yacht Cruise Collection’ adding to bumper year
Ok, the queue starts here! Not only is Croatia a hot destination, it's also not as crowded as the rest of Europe.
‘Happiness is everywhere’: Fiji’s latest tourism campaign is topping the viral charts
In Fiji, happiness comes naturally so your passports might fail to resemble you when you leave, the campaign claims.