Bangkok--Oct 28--Thana Burin Asia Pacific
The unique Joint Services Agreement (JSA) between British Airways and Qantas will celebrate its 10th anniversary this Saturday, October 29, 2005.
Since 1995, over 25 million JSA customers have travelled a total of 290 billion kilometres / 180 billion miles on the ‘kangaroo route’ between the UK and Australia, many of whom have then connected around the world on the large networks each airline offers.
The longevity of the JSA is testament to the ongoing value and benefits it offers to airline customers. These include:
a greater choice of fares, products and services;
easy transfers between the airlines;
the flexibility to transfer a booking between the two airlines
reciprocal lounge access; and
the ability to collect and redeem frequent flyer miles and points on services operated by either airline.
Martin George, British Airways’ commercial director, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating 10 successful years of the Joint Services Agreement with Qantas.
He added: “The JSA gives our customers a great choice of flights between the UK and Australia offering the excellent customer service they expect from both British Airways and Qantas throughout their journey.”
The executive general manager of Qantas, John Borghetti, said: “The JSA remains a unique arrangement between two airlines that continues to prosper.
“The relationship provides customers with access to the very best in airline products and services while also delivering benefits to both Qantas and British Airways.”
Notes to editors:
The privatisation of Qantas in 1993 allowed BA to acquire a 25 per cent holding and in November 1995 the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) approved the JSA between the two carriers.
The JSA was granted a five-year extension by the ACCC in August 2004.
British Airways sold its shares in Qantas in September 2004.
JSA services will change again in 2006 with Qantas introducing a daily service from Sydney to London Heathrow via Hong Kong.
For further information, please contact:
Kasemsri Kaewthammachai (01 611 4696)
Yuwadi Chombun / Vachiraluck Laohathienpratarn
Qantas/British Airways Public Affairs office
Thana Burin Asia Pacific Ltd
Tel: 02 231 6158-9 Email: [email protected] End.