Air New Zealand and Qantas have announced plans for a codeshare agreement across the airlines’ domestic networks starting 28 October.
The agreement includes 115 routes – 30 on Air New Zealand’s network and up to 85 on Qantas. However, it does not cover flights across the Tasman Sea, as Qantas will continue its codeshare agreement with Jetstar’s New Zealand services.
Passengers will be able to check-in bags for their whole journey, which the carriers say will reduce connection times and open up onward flights for customers in each country.
Eligible passengers will have access to a combined 36 domestic lounges in New Zealand and Australia, with tickets going on sale at the end of July.
Alan Joyce, CEO of Qantas Group, said: “Our relationship with Air New Zealand goes back almost 80 years. We’ve been partners at various stages over that time and we have a lot of respect for them as a competitor. A codeshare deal on our domestic networks makes sense for customers because it leverages the strengths we have in our home markets.”
Christopher Luxon, CEO of Air New Zealand, added: “While the two airlines will continue to compete very strongly across all markets, Air New Zealand and Qantas are known for having a commitment to innovation, customer service excellence, operational performance and safety. We are confident that our respective customers will enjoy the reciprocal benefits on both sides of the Tasman.”
qantas.com; airnewzealand.com