Qantas and China Eastern have extended their codeshare agreement and frequent flyer benefits on travel between Australia and China.
From October 25, the airlines will co-locate their operations in Terminal 1 at Shanghai Pudong airport, providing passengers with improved connection times and "streamlined" check-in facilities.
Qantas flyers will be able to access China Eastern's new lounge and more easily connect to 67 codeshare services operated by the Chinese carrier, including new destinations such as Changchun, Jinan and Wuhan.
From November 1, Qantas passengers will be able to make codeshare bookings on China Eastern's double-daily Sydney-Shanghai and Melbourne– Shanghai services.
A statement from Qantas said: "These services are complemented by Qantas' existing codeshare on China Eastern's Sydney Nanjing-Beijing services and new year-round Brisbane-Shanghai services beginning in November 2016."
Members of Qantas' Frequent Flyer loyalty programme will "also have greater capacity to earn and redeem points as the partnership develops", the Australian airline added.
Gareth Evans, Qantas CEO, said: "Our goal is to be the first choice for travel between Australia and China and customers will enjoy significant customer benefits as a result of the expanded partnership.
"Co-location in Terminal 1 at Shanghai Pudong International Airport makes it easy for our customers to connect beyond Shanghai to the rest of China, and from cities across China through to Australia."
Last week, Qantas announced that it has expanded its codeshare agreements with American Airlines, Westjet and Alaska Airlines on routes in North America (see news, October 16).
qantas.com, flychinaeastern.com
Graham Smith
