KLM, Qantas deal connects Amsterdam and Australia

Qantas and Dutch carrier KLM are joining forces to give passengers new options between Holland and Australia. A new codeshare agreement announced Wednesday will see the Australian carrier add its code on KLM’s daily flights between Singapore and Amsterdam. In return, KLM will codeshare on Qantas International flights between Singapore and Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Tickets go on sale from November 1 for travel from November 8. The deal is the latest in a string of recent codeshares by Qantas as it builds options for passengers. Others include agreements with Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand and Air France. Although Qantas is a member of the giant oneworld alliance and KLM belongs to the rival Skyteam, it is not unusual these days for airlines to codeshare across alliances when it is mutually beneficial. READ: Australia's newest airport wins Qantas pilot academy Tickets go on sale from November 1 for travel from November 8. The deal means Qantas Frequent Flyer members will be able to earn points and status credits on the codeshare flights to Amsterdam and eligible customers will be able to use KLM lounge facilities in the Dutch city. Qantas also codeshares on flights to Amsterdam with alliance partner Emirates but those services go through Dubai. Qantas International chief executive Alison Webster said the new codeshare was part of Qantas’ strategy of building strong partnerships with other airlines to improve travel options for its customers. “This codeshare provides customers with more choice of how they travel between Australia and Europe,’’ she said. “It offers our customers another option to get to Amsterdam via our Singapore hub with more opportunities to earn status credits and Qantas Points.’’ Australia is an attractive offline market for KLM and chief executive Peter Eibers said the Qantas deal would benefit its customers. “Australia is an important destination for business and leisure travelers, which is why Qantas is such an important partner,’’ he said.  “This also allows us to grow our presence in this beautiful part of the world.”