QF to codeshare on MU MEL-PVG

[Isochronous]

So only SYD gets actual QF metal to PVG, even though MEL had a direct MEL-PVG service until 2009 (I only started to have interests in China after that, so I didn't know about this previously).

Why would I book a mediocre Chinese carrier on QF code at QF prices when I can just connect via SYD and fly on QF?

Has anyone on here had any experience on the defunct MEL-PV QF service? What was patronage like?

 

[cmon0005]

Why would I book a mediocre Chinese carrier on QF code at QF prices when I can just connect via SYD and fly on QF?

Not to mention no recognition of status, no priority checkin/boarding for QFF Gold/Plat (I presume).

This was actually one of the questions I submitted for the Rockpool lunch competition never got any answer:

"With the focus on Asia and alot of the ports being serviced by Qantas Codeshares as opposed to QF operated services (such as Korea, Mumbai, Delhi, Vietnam.etc) how do you propose to keep these Frequent Flyers loyal if there is no FF benefits (Lounge access, Priority checkin & boarding) in these ports?"

 

[Isochronous]

I don't know the timing of the MU flight, but another concern is that QF doesn't amend lounge operating hours to cater for its codeshares (eg FJ and EK services already have no lounge access)

 

[cmon0005]

I don't know the timing of the MU flight, but another concern is that QF doesn't amend lounge operating hours to cater for its codeshares (eg FJ and EK services already have no lounge access)

Agree totally, I actually emailed the FJ CEO about no lounge access for J pax from MEL due to evening flight times. And suggested that they should arrange lounge agreements they replied saying they would take the feedback onboard. 2 months later, no lounge access in MEL for FJ.

 

[Isochronous]

Agree totally, I actually emailed the FJ CEO about no lounge access for J pax from MEL due to evening flight times. And suggested that they should arrange lounge agreements they replied saying they would take the feedback onboard. 2 months later, no lounge access in MEL for FJ.

I'd complain to QF too - if they are going to codeshare on their subsidiary FJ instead of running QF metal, they ought provide a lounge.

 

[Platinum A332]

So only SYD gets actual QF metal to PVG, even though MEL had a direct MEL-PVG service until 2009 (I only started to have interests in China after that, so I didn't know about this previously).

Why would I book a mediocre Chinese carrier on QF code at QF prices when I can just connect via SYD and fly on QF?

Has anyone on here had any experience on the defunct MEL-PV QF service? What was patronage like?

Whilst I agree with you, I think the problem with Qantas China services whilst MEL-PVG was operated was that the service operation was very fragmented, something like;
- 2xwk MEL-PVG
- 4xwk SYD-PVG (might have been 5xwk)
- 3xwk SYD-PEK

Qantas then made the decision to have a consistent schedule, with a daily SYD-PVG service sometime after the PEK Olympics.

I think this move with MU in the long-term is a good one. I think in the future you will see a MEL-PVG service again. But working with MU for PEK makes a lot of sense as;
1) MU is not allowed to fly PEK-SYD non-stop, but QF can. Into the future when the market grows, Qantas can get a Chinese partner to help fill seats ex-PEK.
2) Chinese travelers despite their increasing wealth still favour their own airlines, for whatever reason. So it is important for QF to have a Mainland Chinese partner to leverage off this partner base.