Emirates and Qantas have adjusted their trans-Tasman alliance so that the Dubai-based airline can focus on its non-stop services between the UAE and New Zealand.
Commencing March 2018, Emirates will cease operations between Melbourne and Brisbane to Auckland, a move that will free up the airline’s aircraft for alternative routes.
The carrier said the change will not impact its existing Dubai to Christchurch via Sydney flights, which will continue to operate as per usual.
With all the freed up aircraft, the airline confirmed it’s considering new routes and potentially even “new direct services between New Zealand and Dubai”.
Although the airline didn’t specify whether these services would operate out of Auckland or a new Kiwi city, President Sir Tim Clark said changes will contribute “to stimulating increased opportunities for international trade, tourism and commerce”.
Meanwhile, Qantas will fill in the gap left behind across the Tasman by increasing the frequency of its services between Australia and New Zealand.
The Flying Kangaroo will add seven new return flights per week between Melbourne and Auckland and an extra two return services per week between Brisbane and Auckland. Some of these services will be up-gauged from a 737 to a wide-body A330.
Qantas’ new trans-Tasman services will carry Emirates code and will connect seamlessly to Qantas’ London services via Perth or Singapore and Emirates’ services between Australia and Europe via Dubai.
Qantas Group Chief Executive, Alan Joyce said the network changes serve the premise of their joint partnership, which is to serve customers “better together”.
Emirates guests with existing bookings impacted by the Tasman changes will be re-accommodated onto Qantas services or given an alternative option.
READ: Qantas takes over Emirates’ Sydney-Auckland flights
READ: Qantas re-routes to Singapore in extended Emirates arrangement