Qantas and American Airlines this week made their final push to convince US officials to approve a proposed new Joint Business Agreement (JBA). In their joint reply to the US Department of Transportation (DOT), the airlines reiterated the need for a expedited decision, emphasising the wide-ranging support and benefits antitrust immunity will provide, and which has been “virtually unopposed”.

Qantas is making adjustments to two routes on its Asia network from March next year in response to customer demand and to better utilise its fleet.

Qantas has signalled its intent to restart non-stop services between Australia and Fiji next year. The Aussie carrier this week applied to the International Air Services Commission, seeking rights to relaunch flights commencing 31 March using narrow-body Boeing 737 aircraft.

Swiss-Belhotel International has formed a partnership with Qantas Frequent Flyer program that allows its members to earn Qantas Points when staying at Swiss-Belhotel properties in Australia and worldwide.

Qantas is making progress with the evolution of its indirect agent booking channel, with the first Australian travel management company (TMC) now making reservations through the airline’s new technology platform. Effective immediately, Corporate Travel Management (CTM) will offer select corporate customers the opportunity to book via the new Qantas Distribution Platform (QDP)

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport has insisted Washington approve a bid by Qantas and American Airlines to expand and strengthen their existing codeshare arrangement, saying failure to do so will be “injurious” to those airlines, consumers and competition.

In response to feedback from local businesses, government and the tourism industry, network changes will see flights between Alice Springs and Darwin upgraded from a Boeing 717 to a Boeing 737 aircraft, an increase of up to 1,300 seats per week on the route. The change means customers will have the option to travel in Business Class and introduce inflight entertainment, including fast, free Wi-Fi on selected flights.

Qantas and American Airlines have been given notice by the US Government that its response to their proposed Joint Business Agreement and request for antitrust immunity is imminent.

The new Qantas Domestic Business Lounge and Qantas Club at Melbourne Airport have been completely redesigned to use space more effectively, offering seats for nearly 900 customers. More than 130 additional customers can be accommodated – 40% more in the Business Lounge and 10% more in the Qantas Club.

Qantas will make a multi-million dollar investment in a new First Lounge and an expansion of the airline’s existing Business Lounge at Singapore Changi Airport, fuelled by increased capacity following the relaunch of Airbus A380 services to the Lion City.

Qantas and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have revealed plans for a new codeshare agreement creating new options for customers travelling between Australia and Holland, effective 1 November 2019.

Air France has revealed plans to reintroduce services to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) in Texas from 31 March 2019 following a near 18-year hiatus. The SkyTeam member carrier will operate the route between Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and DFW up to five times weekly.