Since 2004, Qantas has codeshared with Jetstar across most of its Australia, New Zealand and Asia Pacific services.

 

This arrangement, subject to final regulatory approval, will now be expanded to include Jetstar operations from Singapore – Qantas’ primary hub and Jetstar’s major flying base in Asia.

 

QF flight numbers will initially be applied to eleven Asian destinations served from Singapore Changi International Airport by Jetstar Asia and Valuair, including Jetstar Asia’s daily Singapore-Auckland A330 service, set to commence from 17 March 2011.

 

Beginning 1 March 2011 and effective for travel from 1 April 2011, the Qantas and Jetstar Asia/Valuair codeshare partnership will cover the following routes operated from Singapore:  Jakarta, Auckland, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Osaka (via Taipei), Denpasar (Bali), Penang, Ho Chi Minh City, Phuket, Hong Kong, Taipei.

 

Jetstar Group CEO Bruce Buchanan heralded the partnership saying, “This commercial arrangement strengthens our existing market leadership position for value based flying in Singapore. It also provides greater consumer traction and access to future Jetstar and Qantas services.”

 

Jetstar Asia CEO Ms Chong Phit Lian said Jetstar’s extended codeshare partnership with Qantas was an important advancement and next step in Jetstar’s evolving Singapore flying hub, a cornerstone to its Pan Asian network expansion and overall large presence in Asia.

 

“Jetstar’s ongoing strategic development and evolution of our major Singapore flying hub we predict will be greatly enabled over time by this new commercial arrangement with Qantas,” Ms Chong said.

 

“This agreement, enhanced by Jetstar’s current strong competitive market position, will no doubt incentivize future travel from Qantas customers, such as those in the United Kingdom and Europe, on the growing Qantas Group network throughout the Asia Pacific region,” she said.

 

Ms Chong said the new agreement included for Qantas customers a seamless booking and ticketing experience, with full baggage connectivity, standard Qantas baggage allowance, as well as complimentary onboard offerings such as meals and comfort packs.

 

Group Executive Qantas Airlines Commercial, Rob Gurney, said the codeshare agreement with Jetstar would expand Qantas’ network of destinations in Asia, providing greater choice and convenience for passengers.

 

“Singapore is Qantas’ major hub in Asia and we are pleased to be able to offer our customers a wider range of travel options from Changi Airport, in partnership with Jetstar Asia and Valuair,” Mr Gurney said. “Today’s announcement underlines the growing strength of the Qantas Group’s two complementary airline brands in the Asia Pacific.”