A spokeswoman for QantasLink said, “Firstly, you will get tourism benefits, with international tourists having easier access to fares to Port Macquarie.
“For example, an Emirates customer will now be able to purchase an airfare from Barcelona-Dubai-Sydney-Port Macquarie on the Qantas-Emirates network.
“Previously they would have had to book their international Emirates flight and domestic Qantas airfares separately.
“Secondly, Port Macquarie residents can access flights to Europe, with reduced travel times, cheaper airfares and receive all the frequent flyer benefits.
“International flights will still be through Sydney, however they can access Europe in two stops, whereas previously they would have had three stops.”
International bookings will also open for 32 Australian destinations, including seven other locations in New South Wales.
The Qantas-Emirates partner-ship remains subject to government and regulatory approval, and is scheduled to start on March 31.
As part of establishing a joint network, Emirates has started selling airfares to Albury, Armidale, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Port Macquarie, Sydney, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga for visitors from the United Kingdom, Europe, North Africa, South East Asia and the Middle East.
Qantas International Chief Executive Officer Simon Hickey said that, because the partnership included tapping into Qantas’s domestic network, towns outside Australia’s capital cities also stood to benefit from the tourism generated by the partnership.
“The partnership between Qantas and Emirates means that Emirates’ international customers are now able to purchase airfares on the biggest network of Australian destinations,” Mr Hickey said.
“This partnership will make travel within Australia easier for visitors and provide tourism operators new opportunities to capitalise on international tourists visiting the country.”
Qantas and Emirates are developing marketing campaigns to promote the new joint network.
“Tourism is a huge economic driver for Australia, creating jobs and promoting investment and development,” Mr Hickey said.
Mr Hickey said travellers from Albury, Armidale, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Port Macquarie, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga would also benefit from the partnership.
“Local customers can expect world class travel experiences, with more one-stop access to and from Europe, shorter travel times, cheaper airfares and exclusive frequent flyer benefits,” he said.
Emirates and Qantas are continuing to finalise details of their partnership.
