Economy class cabin on Emirates A380
The comprehensive partnership between Dubai based Emirates and Australian flag carrier Qantas, which came into effect in April, will expand to include flights to New Zealand from August 14.
Bookings for the joint flights will open on August 14 and aligned fares, frequent flyer benefits as well as code-share arrangements will all be applicable to New Zealand destinations.
The two airlines will operate about 130 flights per week from the New Zealand cities of Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown to Australian east coast cities. Onward flights will also be available to 65 destinations in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.
Emirates currently operates flights between Australia and New Zealand using the two best outfitted aircraft in its fleet- Airbus A380 and Boeing 777. A380s are operated on the Auckland-Sydney and Auckland-Melbourne routes.
“From mid-August New Zealanders will be able to take full advantage of the network, lounges and frequent flyer opportunities available with Qantas and Emirates,” said Stephen Thompson, a senior Qantas official.
“Wellington and Queenstown are likely to benefit considerably, as these are Qantas destinations that Emirates will now offer to their global customer base for the first time,” he added.
Customers booking on the joint network from New Zealand will also benefit from earning and redeeming frequent flyer miles on the other partner airline while flying on either of the airlines. Other benefits will include joint lounge access, reciprocal status recognition and unified baggage policies.
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