Frequent flyers benefit from new Qantas, Cathay codeshare

Qantas and Cathay Pacific have inked a new codeshare deal that will make it easier for frequent flyer members to earn points and status credits on each other’s flights. The deal will see Qantas add its code to Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon flights from Hong Kong to India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Vietnam, and on Cathay Pacific’s long-haul services from Hong Kong to Perth and Cairns. Cathay will add its code to 13 routes on Qantas’ domestic network in Australia, including Adelaide-Melbourne, Alice Springs-Sydney, Brisbane-Cairns, Brisbane-Melbourne, Darwin-Perth, Hobart-Melbourne and Melbourne-Sydney. READ:  Cathay spelling mistake ignites Twitter humor. Although the two airlines are oneworld alliance partners and passengers get benefits such as lounge access, this does not mean frequent flyers earn full points or status credits on the other carrier’s flights. The codeshare means Qantas Frequent Flyer members will be able to earn more Qantas points and status credits when traveling on the Qantas-coded flights -- and the same applies to Marco Polo Club members traveling on Cathay-coded flights. “Building on the relationship we have with Cathay Pacific through oneworld, we’ll offer customers traveling from Australia more connections across Asia via Hong Kong, with the added benefit of a codeshare service,” Qantas International chief executive Alison Webster said in the announcement. “This new codeshare partnership also forms part of our growth strategy for the broader Asia region, with strong demand for travel between Australia and Asia. “It’s good news for Qantas customers who will have more travel options, greater opportunities to earn frequent flyer points, and a premium experience onboard both home carriers.” Cathay Pacific Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Paul Loo said a closer relationship between the two airlines was a win-win for the carriers’ customers. “This new cooperation enables us to strengthen our connectivity across our Southwest Pacific network as well as grow the oneworld alliance,” he said. “Australia has been a key destination for Cathay Pacific ever since we launched our first commercial operations to the country nearly half a century ago, and we look forward to welcoming guests from Qantas onto our flights soon.” Cathay Pacific and Qantas together operate more than 100 services a week between Hong Kong and Australia. Tickets for the codeshare services will be available for sale from October 22 for travel October 28.