Qantas is on the verge of finalising a new major alliance with Emirates. What does that mean for its customers?

Qantas proposed new alliance with Emirates is not expected to affect its Papua New Guinea services (including its code-share services with Air Niugini from Brisbane and Qantaslink services from Cairns), nor its domestic services in Australia.

However, for those considering travelling further afield, significant changes to Qantas’s international network are in the offing, which seem mostly positive.

Assuming the alliance gains final regulatory approval (expected next month), Qantas flights to London will transit via Dubai rather than Singapore from 31 March 2013. Meanwhile, thanks to Emirates’ unparalleled international network, Qantas’ long-haul passengers can expect better connections to a wider range of European destinations going forward. In the past week, for its part, Qantas has indicated its intention to add more direct flights to Asian destinations.

Moreover, Qantas’s nine million frequent flyer members are expected to be able to earn/redeem points with Emirates, and eligible passengers to benefit from reciprocal lounge access. Qantas will remain a member of the oneworld alliance. For more, click here.