Air France-KLM and Qantas expand partnership for better Europe-Australia connections

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Air France-KLM and Qantas, Australia’s national airline, have announced a significant expansion of their existing partnership to significantly improve air connectivity between Europe and Australia and significantly enhance the travel experience for their customers. This strategic collaboration aims to offer travelers from both continents greater convenience, enhanced connectivity, and expanded loyalty programs.

New code-share connections strengthen Europe’s connection to Australia

A key feature of the partnership is the introduction of codeshare flights on Qantas’ nonstop route between Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Perth (PER). Air France is now able to assign codes to its customers on this service, providing significant benefits for travelers. This direct service celebrates its one-year anniversary this month and is, to date, the first and only nonstop route between France and Australia. The connection will reduce the previously fastest flight time between Paris and Perth by approximately three hours, offering significant time savings, especially for business and leisure travelers.

Air France is also the only European airline to offer such a codeshare service for non-stop flights between Europe and Australia, making it a preferred partner for long-term travel planning.

New transfer options via Tokyo-Haneda

As of July 1, Tokyo Haneda has been added to the partner network as another connecting airport. Together with the existing connecting airports of Singapore Changi and Hong Kong, Haneda enables Qantas and Air France customers to seamlessly travel to major Australian destinations such as Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Darwin, and Perth. The addition of this airport offers passengers greater flexibility in choosing their itinerary and often reduces overall flight time by offering more efficient and convenient connections.

Extended code-sharing agreements between Air France, KLM and Qantas

In addition to the new codeshare connection with Air France on the Paris-Perth route, both Air France and KLM have now added their codes to Qantas flights between Singapore and Darwin. This strengthens connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region and enhances the partners’ overall flight network by creating new connections and connecting options. Travelers will thus have a wider choice of connections with greater convenience and time efficiency.

Frequent flyer benefits and customer service

Another highlight of the partnership is the improved integration of the frequent flyer programs: For the first time, Flying Blue members, the joint frequent flyer program of Air France and KLM, can now redeem their accumulated miles for travel in Qantas First Class. This innovation significantly expands the possibilities for miles and makes the premium travel experience more accessible for customers.

Additionally, Flying Blue members with “Ultimate” status receive exclusive access to Qantas First Class airport lounges, offering a significant boost in comfort before and after their flight. This offer elevates service to a new level and strengthens the bond between the airlines and their customers.

More connections for Australian travelers to European destinations

The partnership opens up a wide range of new opportunities for Australian travelers: By leveraging Air France and KLM’s extensive domestic and European networks, they will have improved connecting options and a wider choice of destinations in France and across Europe. This not only facilitates leisure and business travel, but also provides access to new markets and cultural experiences.

In addition, the collaboration increases the opportunities to collect and use Qantas points when customers fly with Air France or KLM, further increasing the airlines’ appeal to Australian customers.

Conclusion: A new era of international travel

The expanded partnership between Air France, KLM, and Qantas marks a significant step toward better connectivity between Europe and Australia. It not only brings practical benefits through optimized flight connections and transfer options, but also sets new standards in convenience and customer service. Travelers benefit from greater flexibility, time savings, and exclusive advantages – a real enrichment that further reduces the barriers to international travel and makes it more enjoyable.

With this strategic cooperation, the airlines are ushering in a new phase of air transport that will raise transcontinental mobility to a higher level and offer customers real added value.