Qantas and American Airlines are seeking regulatory approval for a joint business agreement (JBA) on their services between Australia/New Zealand and the United States, within the these regions and beyond to third countries.

Qantas Airlines has confirmed a sharp increase in fuel surcharges as carriers around the world continue to battle rising fuel costs. At the same time, Japan Airlines has said it will increase fuel surcharges and suspend routes as it begins trading following a major restructuring.

Travelport, the business services provider to the global travel industry, today announces that all Galileo, Worldspan and Apollo-connected travel agents worldwide will have full GDS access to Qantas’ new Advance Seat Selection product

Australian flag-carrier Qantas Airways is to make a number of cutbacks on key routes to Japan and New Zealand as natural disasters in those countries take a toll on demand. Aircraft will also be retired, while a number of management positions will also be culled.

Airlines operating from the United States and Australia have returned to full operations in Japan following an earthquake and subsequent tsunami on Friday. American Airlines and Delta Air Lines both confirmed they would offer a full schedule today following disruption over the weekend, while Qantas added services were continuing as normal.

Qantas has begun legal action against Rolls-Royce following the explosion of an engine on one of its Airbus A380s. The Australian flag carrier said the legal action would provide a back-up in case a settlement could not be reached.