Australian flag carrier Qantas Airways Ltd and Air China said they will codeshare on services between Sydney and Beijing. Qantas sales and distribution general manager Rob Gurney said the agreement, covering three weekly Qantas return services between Sydney and Beijing, would increase the Australian airline’s presence in China ahead of the 2008 Olympics.

‘China is an extremely important market to the Qantas group,’ he said.

‘In the lead-up to the 2008 Olympic Games, we expect to offer daily services between Australia and Beijing to better cater for growing trade and leisure travel.

‘Travel between China and Australia has increased more than 40 pct in the past three years and is expected to grow a further 20 pct in the coming year.’

The agreement is effective from Sept 15.

Qantas has also been nominated this year for a

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World Travel Award as Australasia’s Leading Airline.
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