Qantas / Emirates tie up (Partnership inc. Codeshare, Status)

[simongr]

Interesting that, currently, MEL-DXB-MAN-DXB-MAN QF Codeshare with EK is pricing slightly more expensive than MEL-LHR-MAN-MEL with BA (both transferring from/to QF9/QF10) - despite LHR being continually lambasted for expensive APD. Though the later departure time ex MAN and not having to traverse LHR in each direction probably over-compensates.

APD is applicable for all airports - it is not an LHR tax.

 

[BD1959]

APD is applicable for all airports - it is not an LHR tax.

Hi simongr, I was mistakenly under the impression it was higher for LHR than other airports. I stand corrected, sir!

Regards,

BD

 

[simongr]

No worries - the APD moves based on class of service and distance. It is one of the reasons that I try and do trips to England before going to Cyprus so that when transiting out of Europe you can avoid the tax.

There are probably other LHR related ridiculously high taxes and surcharges..

Just had to check:

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channels...pertyType=document&id=HMCE_CL_000505#P27_1984

 

[serfty]

APD is applicable for all airports - it is not an LHR tax.

It's slight pedantic - but more correctly, basically APD is applicable for all UK airport departures.

 

[anat0l]

connections seem ok, especially if WP get First class terminal access at DXB

Milan

1 QF 001 SYD 1 DXB 3 1605 0035+1
EK:QF8101 DXB 3 MXP 1 0340+1 0825+1E0/332

Manchester

QF 001 SYD 1 DXB 3 1605 0035+1E0/388
EK:QF8021 DXB 3 MAN 1 0300+1 0740+1E0/77W

Only one set of connections are optimal with QF flights. The other set will require a few more hours in the early morning (on the way there) or a very short overnighter (on the way back).

The agents' notes should be noted that QF elites will not have access to EK lounges at MXP or MAN if they are not flying Business or First. This is, of course, in absence of the approval of the tie-up which would allow reciprocity of FF privileges.


Only two more days until the expected release of the draft / preliminary decision...

 

[airbound]

Only two more days until the expected release of the draft / preliminary decision...

I was about to mention that another interesting thing to come out of the note is that a draft determination is expected on 20 December! I hadn't picked up on that date until I read the note.

 

[cmon0005]

Take a look at the seat maps on Expertflyer, for the QF and EK flight numbers,the QF version has more seats unblocked than the EK version?

 

[Isochronous]

Only one set of connections are optimal with QF flights. The other set will require a few more hours in the early morning (on the way there) or a very short overnighter (on the way back).

The agents' notes should be noted that QF elites will not have access to EK lounges at MXP or MAN if they are not flying Business or First. This is, of course, in absence of the approval of the tie-up which would allow reciprocity of FF privileges.


Only two more days until the expected release of the draft / preliminary decision...

So the ACCC gets to decide who EK can and can't give lounge access to in Dubai. Talk about overregulation!

 

[oz_mark]

So the ACCC gets to decide who EK can and can't give lounge access to in Dubai. Talk about overregulation!

It's not about the ACCC deciding, it's about Qantas having a commercial arrangement to allow their FF passengers access.

It is one of the downsides of codeshares (others being minor things like lack of classic award availability on such flights, lack of extra baggage allowance, etc)

 

[markis10]

So the ACCC gets to decide who EK can and can't give lounge access to in Dubai. Talk about overregulation!

EK could always do a QF and give lounge access but close the lounge for some scheduled departures of partners

 

[SteveJohnson]

Does anybody doubt that the QF-EK alliance will get a 'thumbs up' from the Government? This would have to be a HUGE blow if it did and probably a fatal blow to Alan Joyce's role as CEO. I just can't see it happening. I can see that the ACCC might sound some warnings but I can't see them not giving this approval.

 

[simongr]

We should find out tomorrow.

 

[Brettmcg]

The draft determination is now up on the ACCC website:

Qantas Airways Limited & Emirates - Authorisations - A91332 & A91333

EDIT: Has been "approved" for a period of 5 years with conditions placed on capacity on Trans-Tasman routes.

 

[Grooba]

QF codeshares on the EK 380 TT = yes please!

 

[simongr]

Here's wondering how long it will take for details to appear? Hoping for QF bookable awards DXB-LCA next year...

 

[ozmille]

looking forward to more announcements in regards to FF recognition, points accrual and redemption and lounge access!

 

[serfty]

Summary of decision

The ACCC proposes to grant conditional authorisation to Qantas Airways Limited
(Qantas) and Emirates for five years to coordinate their passenger and freight
operations pursuant to a Master Coordination Agreement.

Next steps

The ACCC will now seek further submissions from Qantas, Emirates and interested
parties in relation to this draft determination prior to making a final decision. Qantas,
Emirates and interested parties may also request that a conference be held to make
oral submissions on the draft determination.

Draft indicates "approval" for a period of 5 years with special conditions for Trans-Tasman route capacity.

... the ACCC proposes to
impose a condition of authorisation that requires the parties to:

• maintain capacity on the four overlap routes (Sydney-Auckland,
  Melbourne-Auckland, Brisbane-Auckland and Sydney-Christchurch) at a
  base level of capacity; and
• increase capacity (annually or seasonally) across the four overlap routes
  in accordance with a specified growth factor.

However, in view of the applicants’ claims about excess capacity on the
relevant routes between Australia and New Zealand, and no information
currently suggesting otherwise, the ACCC proposes to delay the introduction of
the requirement to grow capacity (i.e. to set the growth factor at zero for an
initial period).

 

[Fruitcake]

Regarding lounges, the decision states that EK & QF will look to combine lounges offshore, but will maintain separate facilities in Australia, whilst looking to share staff, catering and services across the "brands."

 

[Brettmcg]

Personally, doing a lot of flying to Germany (previously on QF5/6) I found this to be very interesting:

(e) as a result of support and feeder traffic from Emirates, Qantas may be
able to offer an Australia-Dubai-Berlin service, dependent on the
delivery of new B787-9 aircraft. The ACCC understands, based on
information from the applicants, that currently there is no additional
capacity under the UAE-Germany Air Services Agreement for
Emirates to increase its services to Germany; and

 

[Fruitcake]

...The ACCC understands, based on
information from the applicants, that currently there is no additional
capacity under the UAE-Germany Air Services Agreement for
Emirates to increase its services to Germany; and

Wow - that is interesting. The Canadian government is also extremely hostile to EK - perhaps QF could do some DXB-Canada tag-on sectors using Australia-Canada traffic rights?