The complexity of airline route networks and transnational commercial alignments has been highlighted by an application from Qantas, to Australian aviation authorities, to provide codeshare services with Alaska Airlines on the New Zealand route.
The International Air Services Commission (IASC) has accordingly, in line with usual practice, invited submissions about the transfer application from Qantas, with a closing date of 17 July 2019.
A covering letter from Qantas to the IASC explains that as part of the planned arrangement between Qantas and Alaska Airlines “it is proposed that Alaska Airlines will offer codeshare services on flights operated by Qantas on the New Zealand route from 1 September 2019”.
Qantas has pledged to provide to the IASC a copy of the codeshare deal it has struck with Alaska Airlines, the terms of which will remain confidential.
Keith Mason’s Pointhacks.com.au points out that while Alaska Airlines does not fly to many places outside the US, its frequent flyer program Mileage Plan packs a punch.
‘That’s because it has some of the lowest redemption rates of any frequent flyer program in the world and charges low fees,” the site says.
“Mileage Plan partners with four of the top seven airlines flying into Australia. They include Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific. Together, these four airlines cover over 37% of the international flights servicing Australia.”
Written by Peter Needham
