Australian airline Qantas has confirmed it is in discussions with a number of other airlines about potential alliances.
Shares in the national carrier have soared after it confirmed the rumours, adding that one of the airlines it is engaged in talks with is Dubai-based Emirates.
“Strengthening alliance partnerships is one of the four pillars of the Qantas Group’s five-year strategy, announced in August 2011,” the company said in a statement. “At any one time Qantas may be in contact with a wide range of companies about potential commercial cooperation.”
The statement went on to say: “Qantas’ policy is not to comment on the nature or status of these discussions. Should Qantas have a material announcement to make, it would be disclosed to the market in the normal way at the appropriate time.”
Qantas’ five-year strategy was built around four key stated elements: opening gateways to the world; growing with Asia; being best for global travellers; and building a strong, viable business.
