While we patiently wait for Qantas to reveal the winning names for its Dreamliners (still devo KarryOn’s pitch for ‘The Chiko Roll‘ didn’t make the shortlist), the airline has reaffirmed its commitment to American Airlines and its trans-Pacific alliance.
Qantas International’s Chief Executive, Gareth Evans, told attendees at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Cancun this week that the carrier was keen to “deepen the relationship” despite being blocked by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) last year.
He said the pair planned to submit a new application to the US watchdog in the coming months that would request an extension to their alliance on trans-Pacific services, Australian Aviation reported.
“We do want to deepen that relationship in the way that we have talked about so we will be refiling the application in the next few months.”
Gareth Evans, Qantas International Chief Executive
Evans continued, saying that the two airlines have spoken to DOT and are “fully briefed” and ready to re-submit the application.
“My understanding is it’s going to take much less time this time through but we will have to wait and see once we reapply,” he said.
Meanwhile, Qantas’ Head Honcho, Alan Joyce, told attendees at the annual conference that the Flying Kangaroo is hoping to follow-up its forthcoming Perth-London flights with direct services from Sydney to London.
Although the non-stop European flight is still a few years away from becoming a reality, the Chief Executive said advancements in the aviation industry are making it a real possibility.
Aircraft capable of making the extensive journey would include the new Boeing 777Xs as well as the Airbus A350ULRs.
In the meantime, Qantas is eagerly awaiting the delivery of its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which may be named ‘The Vegemite‘ if Australian consumers have their way.