Qantas launches "seismic" Emirates partnership

Qantas has today marked the official launch of its partnership with Emirates with a spectacular flyover of two A380s over Sydney Harbour.

Speaking at a media conference to mark the launch of the partnership, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said the deal marked a ‘seismic shift’ in global aviation.

“This is one of the most important days in Qantas’s 92-year history”, he said.

The deal, which means flights to Europe will now stop-over in Dubai, will officially commence with the first London-bound flights leaving Sydney and Melbourne this evening.

From today, flights from Australia will no longer stop-over in Singapore as they did during Qantas’s partnership with British Airways, which has come to an end after 18 years.

The new agreement means Qantas can offer ‘one-stop’ routes to 33 destinations including Rome, Amsterdam, Munich and Barcelona, as well as destinations in the Middle East and North Africa.

Travellers to the 10 most popular Qantas destinations will save an average two hours and 15 minutes under the new arrangement with Emirates, the world’s largest international airline.

Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the new deal as ‘extremely good’ for Australian travellers.

“In Emirates, Qantas has forged a partnership with a quality airline that is recognised worldwide”, he said.

Earlier this morning, two A380s – one each from Qantas and Emirates – staged a spectacular flyover in Sydney to celebrate the agreement.

The two jets flew 1500 feet apart over Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and The Sydney Harbour Bridge.

It’s believed to be the first time two A380s have flown in such a formation anywhere in the world.

The new deal also means Qantas’ customers will be allowed to carry more baggage with them – but the new arrangements will have some drawbacks.

The first sector of Europe-bound flights will now take 14 hours to Dubai, as opposed to eight hours to Singapore.

Travellers stopping over in Dubai will also need to be aware of certain cultural differences.

Although more westernised than many Arab cities, tourists in Dubai are being warned to keep local customs in mind when travelling.

Women in particular may find they have difficulties dealing with men who are not accustomed to speaking with females outside of their immediate families.

Female Qantas flight attendants have reportedly been warned it may be better for their male counterparts to deal with certain customers.

But Emirates President Tim Clark today was quick to re-assure tourists they would find Dubai accommodating, regardless of creed, race, gender, religion or sexual orientation.

“Dubai is the second largest international airport in the world”, he said today. “[Passengers are from all different nationalities… we make a point of making them all welcome. It is a hugely welcoming country.”

The Australian government’s Smart Traveller website recommends travelers to the United Arab Emirates exercise a high degree of caution.

The website says that all acts of sex outside marriage or homosexual sex are illegal in the UAE, and it is illegal for two people of the opposite sex who are not closely related to share a hotel room.

Violators of the nation’s strict alcohol laws may find themselves liable for fines, prison time or corporal punishment or imprisonment.

The site also warns travelers, particularly females, to dress ‘modestly’, when in public.

Among travellers on the first flights under the new arrangement will be Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, Emirates President Tim Clark and a number of Australian celebrities.

Qantas launches "seismic" Emirates partnership