New Zealanders will soon be able to take full advantage of the Qantas and Emirates partnership, with the joint network opening for bookings from August 14th 2013.

Aligned fares, frequent flyer benefits and codeshare arrangements will all be switched on across the Tasman, making it easier for New Zealanders to access world class travel experiences.

It will also make New Zealand part of a joint Qantas-Emirates network, which includes Australia, Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and the UK, bringing the world closer via the global hub of Dubai.

Together, the airlines will operate around 130 services per week from Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown to Australian east coast cities – then onwards to more than 65 destinations in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. Existing capacity on trans-Tasman routes that both Qantas and Emirates fly has been guaranteed as part of regulatory approvals.

Emirates’ trans-Tasman services are operated by the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777, while Qantas’ services are operated by a dedicated fleet of next generation Boeing 737-800s. 

Qantas’ executive manager, international sales, Stephen Thompson, said the partnership was great news for New Zealand travellers and local tourism. 

“New Zealand was part of the Qantas-Emirates vision from the start and since receiving government approval in May our teams have been working hard towards switching the partnership on,” Thompson said. 

“From mid-August New Zealanders will be able to take full advantage of the network, lounges and frequent flyer opportunities available with Qantas and Emirates, tapping into a comprehensive trans-Tasman schedule and a vast range of international destinations. 

“The partnership is also good news for inbound tourism, with both airlines selling New Zealand’s world-class tourism attractions around the world.

“Wellington and Queenstown are likely to benefit considerably, as these are Qantas destinations that Emirates will now offer to their global customer base for the first time.”