Qantas has confirmed it is in discussions with airlines including Emirates about “potential alliances”.
The Australian carrier was responding to local media speculation about a possible deal with the Dubai-based airline. Qantas’ shares rose by around 10 per cent following the news.
“Qantas today confirmed it is in discussions with a number of airlines about potential alliances. These airlines include Emirates, among others,” said Qantas in a statement.
“Strengthening alliance partnerships is one of the four pillars of the Qantas Group’s five-year strategy, announced in August 2011.
“At any one time Qantas may be in contact with a wide range of companies about potential commercial co-operation.
“Qantas’ policy is not to comment on the nature or status of these discussions. Should Qantas have a material announcement to make; it would be disclosed to the market in the normal way at the appropriate time.”
Emirates said in a statement: “Emirates does not comment on rumour or speculation.”
Emirates’ regional rival Etihad, based in neighbouring Abu Dhabi, was last week given permission to double its shareholding in Qantas’ competitor Virgin Australia to 10 per cent. This move has been seen as putting more pressure on Qantas to find a merger partner.
Visit qantas.co.au.
Report by Rob Gill
This report was originally published on Business Traveller's sister website abtn.co.uk.
