Qantas will end its codeshare and frequent flyer arrangements with Air New Zealand on 7 April 2027, as Air NZ seeks approval for an expanded partnership with Virgin Australia.
The decision follows the announcement in September by Air NZ and Virgin Australia that they plan to broaden their transtasman relationship. The two airlines have applied to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for authorisation of a reciprocal codeshare covering transtasman services, excluding Queenstown, and connecting domestic flights. The proposal also includes reciprocal frequent flyer and status benefits across both networks. The airlines are seeking authorisation for five years, and the ACCC is accepting submissions until 21 October.
The arrangement also requires approval in New Zealand from the Minister of Transport, and it cannot take effect until both approvals are granted.
For agents, the change will reduce Air NZ’s codeshare reach within Australia. Virgin Australia’s network covers 31 Australian destinations, compared with more than 60 for Qantas. Air NZ says the Virgin Australia network includes the destinations used by 90 per cent of its customers who connect within Australia.
An interline agreement between Air NZ and Qantas will remain in place after the codeshare ends. Agents will still be able to book connections between the two airlines on a single ticket, with bags transferred.
The end date for the Qantas arrangements is fixed. The timing of the expanded Virgin Australia partnership depends on the outcome of the regulatory process on both sides of the Tasman.