Qantas and British Airways today announced their intention to combine their commercial operations in Hong Kong from April 2000.

The move follows the successful establishment of joint operations in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia

The new organisation will bring together most of the commercial aspects of the two businesses - such as telephone sales, ticketing and marketing - under a single management structure. It will be headed by the current Qantas General Manager in Hong Kong, Mr Freddy Li.

British Airways` Manager in Hong Kong, Mr Richard Engelmann, will continue in his position until April next year, working on the integration of the two offices. He will then take up another position within British Airways.

Mr Li said that both airlines were delighted to announce the co-location and integration in Hong Kong.

The new arrangements will provide customers with a one stop shop for flights to Australia and the UK.

Mr Engelmann said : “By bringing together the experience of two renowned international airlines we will be able to achieve greater benefits in customer service and business.”

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