The FINANCIAL — Qantas has expanded its codeshare relationship with China Eastern to include services between Australia and China via Singapore.
"The expanded arrangements allow Qantas to codeshare on China Eastern services between Singapore and Shanghai from 1 July, building on its existing codeshares on China Eastern domestic flights. China Eastern will commence codesharing on Qantas services between Singapore and Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide (supplementing its existing codeshares on Qantas domestic and trans-Tasman services)," Qantas says.
Group Executive Qantas Airlines Commercial, Mr Rob Gurney, said the arrangements meant Qantas could now offer its customers a greater number of services and connectivity options for travel between Australia and China.
“We are very pleased to be adding services between Singapore and Shanghai to our network as part our successful partnership with China Eastern,” Mr Gurney said.
“From 1 July, we will codeshare on three China Eastern services each day between Singapore and Shanghai. This will enable daily connecting services to Shanghai from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth via Singapore, as well as three services a week from Adelaide to Shanghai via Singapore.
“China is an important market for Qantas and for Australia in general, and Qantas is playing its part in developing the already strong business and tourism ties between the two countries.
“These new services complement our daily direct flights between Sydney and Shanghai and our existing codeshare with China Eastern on its domestic network.
“On 22 April, we added seven new destinations to this codeshare, so that Qantas customers can now fly on China Eastern between Shanghai and a total of 10 Chinese cities.
“And on 6 May, a reciprocal frequent flyer agreement commenced between Qantas and China Eastern, increasing the benefits available to customers of both airlines.
“This continued strengthening of the relationship between the two carriers is good news for Australia-China trade, investment and tourism. It is also timely, with the Shanghai World Expo underway and showcasing the best of Australia in China.
“Qantas is a Gold Sponsor of the Australian Pavilion at the Expo, reflecting our commitment to and confidence in the Chinese market.”
The new codeshare services are available for sale now, for travel from 1 July.
