Air France-KLM and Qantas Expand Partnership to Strengthen Europe-Australia Travel Links
Air France-KLM and Qantas, Australia’s national airline, have announced a significant expansion of their long-standing partnership to improve travel connectivity, convenience, and loyalty offerings between Europe and Australia. This enhanced collaboration is set to deliver considerable benefits to international travelers, especially those flying between the two continents, by broadening network access and integrating services more deeply.
A Milestone in European-Australian Aviation
One of the most notable developments in this partnership expansion is the integration of Air France’s codeshare onto Qantas’ non-stop route between Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Perth (PER). This route, which began operations one year ago, is the first and only non-stop passenger service connecting France and Australia. The direct flight significantly reduces the travel time between the two countries by nearly three hours compared to previous fastest options, offering an efficient and comfortable alternative for long-haul travelers.
With the addition of its code to this route, Air France becomes the only airline to offer a codeshare on a direct Europe-Australia service. This exclusive collaboration not only makes booking simpler for travelers originating in Europe but also enhances the appeal of the route for both leisure and business customers.
New Connection Points and Seamless Transit
Another key feature of the partnership expansion is the inclusion of Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) as a new transit hub for Air France and Qantas flights, starting July 1. Tokyo Haneda joins Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) and Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) as strategic connection points for passengers traveling between Europe and Australia.
This network of hubs enables travelers to seamlessly connect to major Australian cities—including Sydney (SYD), Brisbane (BNE), Melbourne (MEL), Darwin (DRW), and Perth (PER)—on Qantas-operated flights. The additional flexibility in routing not only increases options for passengers but also helps optimize travel schedules and reduce layover times.
Moreover, both Air France and KLM will begin placing their airline codes on Qantas flights between Singapore and Darwin, further expanding options for travelers heading to Northern Australia. These strategic moves align with the airlines’ commitment to providing smooth and efficient connections while capitalizing on the geographic strengths of their respective networks.
Enhanced Loyalty and Reward Opportunities
As part of this expanded collaboration, Air France-KLM and Qantas are also deepening their frequent flyer partnership, offering enhanced loyalty benefits to customers of both carriers.
Flying Blue, the loyalty program of Air France and KLM, will now allow its members to redeem Miles for travel on Qantas First Class—marking the first time this level of redemption is possible. In a further enhancement for elite travelers, Flying Blue Ultimate members will gain access to Qantas First Class lounges, expanding the premium service experience for top-tier European frequent flyers.
Meanwhile, Qantas Frequent Flyer members will benefit from increased opportunities to earn and redeem points when flying with Air France and KLM across their European and international networks. These improved benefits are designed to reward loyalty while making it easier for passengers to mix and match airline options within the broader partnership.
Broader Access to European Destinations for Australian Travelers
The deepened partnership also brings considerable benefits to Australian passengers. By tapping into Air France and KLM’s extensive European and domestic networks, travelers from Australia can now access a wider array of destinations across France and continental Europe with increased ease and fewer connections.
From smaller French cities to major European capitals, the combined airline networks offer seamless connections through major hubs in Paris (CDG), Amsterdam (AMS), and now Tokyo (HND), Hong Kong (HKG), and Singapore (SIN). This increased reach means more choices, better itineraries, and a more streamlined travel experience overall.
A New Chapter in International Travel
The expanded agreement between Air France-KLM and Qantas signifies a new chapter in international air travel, one that emphasizes enhanced connectivity, customer convenience, and stronger global alliances. By leveraging each other’s strengths and hubs, the airlines are positioning themselves to meet the growing demand for travel between Europe and Australia—both for leisure and business.
As the aviation industry continues to recover and adapt post-pandemic, partnerships like this one play a vital role in restoring global connectivity. With additional destinations, improved flight options, and a more rewarding loyalty experience, travelers can look forward to a significantly enhanced journey when flying between the two continents.