Emirates and Qantas have made a few tweaks to their network across the Tasman, which will see the Flying Kangaroo takeover the Dubai-based carrier’s Sydney-Auckland services.
From 13 July 2017, Emirates’ EK418 and EK419 A380 flights between Sydney and Auckland will be replaced by Qantas’ twice-daily A330 flights. The Australian airline will also increase existing Boeing 737 and A330 flights where there is demand.
According to the two airlines, the changes will ensure there’s enough capacity in the market to meet customers needs and are timed to offer seamless connections for Kiwis travelling via Sydney to destinations in Asia, the US and South Africa.
“One of the advantages of the Qantas-Emirates partnership is the flexibility we have with our combined fleets.”
Gareth Evans, Qantas International Chief Executive
“We’re pleased to offer customers on the Tasman the opportunity to experience our award winning Qantas A330 cabin.
“It’s a popular aircraft with our customers and we’re confident it’ll be well-received on the Tasman.”
The changes in aircraft also means travellers will have access to a 28-seat Business cabin that’s nicknamed “mini First Class”, which will operate as regular services on the trans-Tasman flights for the first time.
“Our partner Qantas was well positioned to service this route based on current demand and we’re pleased to have the flexibility to work with them to offer a service with an aircraft that is more in line capacity needs,” Barry Brown, Emirates’ Divisional Vice President for Australasia, said.
“In addition to these Tasman services, we’re pleased to continue offering Qantas passengers access to a seamless travel experience via Dubai to destinations across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa through our codeshare partnership.”