Emirates has ruled out the possibility of buying a stake in Qantas.
The news follows last week's decision by the Australian government to relax foreign ownership restrictions on its national airline.
The Gulf carrier and Qantas have established a strong partnership over the past few years, one which has seen the two collaborate on flights between Australia and Europe, especially the lucrative the Kangaroo route.
But that is as far as Emirates is willing to go, it seems.
Edwin Lau, Emirates' vice-president of Hong Kong and Taiwan, told Business Traveller Asia-Pacific: “Although the foreign ownership restriction in Australia is going to relax, Emirates' long-term expansion strategy is based on organic growth and we remain committed to that.
"There are no plans to acquire a stake in Qantas or any other airline."
While competition between the Gulf carriers heating up, Emirates' expansion strategy seems markedly different from its two main competitors.
It is not following Etihad Airways' ongoing tactic of equity investments in other airlines as a means to expand its market presence. It has also been adamant that it will not join an alliance, unlike Qatar Airways, which became part of Oneworld last year (see news, October 2013).
Instead, Emirates is investing in high-density aircraft and deploying more of its flagship A380 superjumbos, sometimes to seemingly niche destinations in which the airline may see long-term potential for profitability and growth.
Clement Huang
