Qantas will soon offer customers direct access to Taiwan with the launch of a new codeshare agreement with China Airlines.
From 15 October*, customers will be able to travel on codeshare services operated by China Airlines from Sydney and Brisbane to Taipei, with up to ten return services per week available between Australia and Taipei during peak seasons.
Qantas Executive Manager International Sales Stephen Thompson said Qantas was pleased to offer its customers two new non-stop travel options to another destination in Asia.
“We’ve seen a growth in the number of our customers travelling to Taipei via our Singapore and Hong Kong hubs,” said Mr Thompson.
“By providing greater access to Taiwan with a direct codeshare service and more opportunities to earn frequent flyer points, we’re confident our customers will enjoy this new route to Taipei.”
Customers can also continue to travel on Qantas operated services to Singapore, connecting with codeshare services operated by Jetstar Asia to Taipei.
“A key benefit of our extensive Asia network is the ability to travel to multiple destinations within Asia without the need to backtrack. The option to fly direct into Taipei, and return via Singapore, for example, will appeal to business travellers looking to maximise their time.
“This new codeshare also strengthens our position in the region, and complements existing commercial relationships with three of the biggest carriers in Greater China – China Eastern, China Southern, and through oneworld, Cathay Pacific”.
The new codeshare agreement follows other recent initiatives to strengthen Qantas’ presence in growth markets, including a recent expansion of its codeshare with LAN across South America and the new codeshare agreement with Bangkok Airways to resort destinations in Thailand and Cambodia.
China Airlines services between Australia and Taipei are operated by A330 aircraft. The new codeshare services operated by China Airlines will be available for booking from 1 September, for travel from 15 October 2014.*
* Subject to regulatory approval.