American Airlines and Qantas Receive Final Approval to Launch Joint Business Agreement

FORT WORTH, Texas and SYDNEY, Nov. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- American Airlines and Qantas Airways today welcomed the U.S. Department of Transportation's final approval of the airlines' trans-Pacific joint business agreement (JBA), which will allow the carriers to coordinate services between the United States, Australia and New Zealand.

The authorization of the JBA will bring more travel choices and greater benefits to consumers and also maximize value for stakeholders in both airlines.

Customers can expect to benefit from better flight schedules, expanded codesharing, more coordinated services, and greater access to a wider variety of fares.

With all relevant regulatory approvals, both airlines can now begin working together on the following:

• Joint strategic planning and management of trans-Pacific services and 'behind and beyond' services within Australia/New Zealand and North America
• Improvement of flight schedules, frequencies and connection times to benefit Qantas and American customers
• Joint pricing initiatives resulting in more competitive fares and new fare products, as well as joint marketing of services
• Increased opportunities for customers of each airline to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles/points on services operated by the other
• A streamlined offering for corporate customers and for travel agents
• The ability to coordinate pricing for the sale of Australia and New Zealand package destinations by AA Vacations, American's outlet for discount vacation packages

"The final approval by the DOT will allow American and Qantas to enhance customer service and travel options for our customers flying between North America and Australia and New Zealand," said Virasb Vahidi, American's Chief Commercial Officer.  "Qantas is a long-standing and highly valued partner, and together we are supporting each other's strategic objectives by providing an unparalleled global network for our customers."

"The launch of Dallas/Fort Worth services has opened up unprecedented access to North America for Qantas customers through codeshares with American Airlines," said Rob Gurney, Group Executive Qantas Airlines Commercial. "With approval for our joint business agreement, both carriers can now work even more closely together on strategic initiatives that will benefit our customers in both markets."

In May 2011, Qantas began flying from Sydney to American's Dallas/Fort Worth hub as a key initiative for a deeper commercial relationship between the oneworld partners and the launch of the JBA. Qantas will increase its Sydney-Dallas/Fort Worth service to six frequencies per week in January 2012 and to daily in July 2012. Developing a strengthened alliance network based around major hub airports is a key aspect of the Qantas Group's 'gateway strategy' to revitalize its international operations.

About American Airlines
American Airlines, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® carrier serve 260 airports in more than 50 countries and territories with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning website, AA.com®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members and members-elect serve more than 900 destinations with more than 10,000 daily flights to 149 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, and AAdvantage are trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR).

About the Qantas Group
The Qantas Group's two complementary flying brands, Qantas and Jetstar, give it unique strength in terms of scale, network and customer reach.  Qantas is Australia's largest domestic and international airline and is ranked among the world's leading premium carriers.  Jetstar is one of the world's fastest-growing and most successful low-cost carrier brands, operating in Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific and throughout Asia. The Qantas Group employs approximately 35,000 people and offers services across a network spanning over 170 destinations in more than 40 countries (including those covered by codeshare partners) in Australia, Asia and the Pacific, the Americas, Europe and Africa.  Domestically, Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar operate around 5,700 flights a week serving 59 city and regional destinations in all states and mainland territories.  Jetstar also operates 226 domestic flights a week in New Zealand. Internationally, Qantas and Jetstar operate more than 980 flights each week.  

SOURCE American Airlines