Originally Posted by chongcao

I still think CX is the best bet even there are differences between QF and CX. We know for a fact that last decade the main difference between QF and CX is: CX is always trying to provide better services and products, admitly they may made some drawbacks. Whereas QF is constantly downgrade themselves and jetstarise product offerings. But besides that a tie up between QF and CX have many positive effects to QF.

1) a better matched products offering on board in terms of service classes

EK only offers two or three classes on its aircrafts where CX is offering PE from this year. So QF could easily sell PE tickets from major Airports through to many European ports. Where a EK tie up may make some PE fare payer goes into the dreadful economy seating and make people going away from QF.

2) an opportunities for both carrier to grow in Europe

QF could use EK s Eu network without a problem but it is unlikely to contribute to EK s future growth. And QF is already in down hand as QF seems to need to marry rich single EK but EK could easily attract many young flerts. A tie u between CX and QF could actually benefits both parties and contribute to their growth. CX could merge QF's network in CX's mini hub of Bangkok and Singapore. From Bangkok, QF could benefits CX's network to India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Not to mentione by added capacity from QF's feed. CX may be ale to increase capacity into London, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam and add new destinations such as Berlin, Manchester, Zurich and even Madrid.

3) an exit strategy for Perth and Adelaide

If QFi is to exit both ports it is an opportunity for they to do so on cooperation with CX. As QF could still fly to Singapore from both cities where they could have multiple connections with CX to Hong Kong and beyond. As well as keeping the arrangement with BA to continue to London. Especially of Perth to Japan run. A transit point in Hong Kong is not too bad.

4) more Asian destinations for QF

Taipei, Seoul, Chengdu to name a few. With the seedless transfers in both Singapore and Hong Kong, QF could free more A330 to use on other Asian ports they intends to fly. A daily to Beijing, Canton and KL would be nice.

5) closer tie between China and AU would benefits Qantas in long run

CX may not have the mainland China covered. but CX is the one of the biggest carrier for mainland Chinese, especially those flying high fares out from China to the world. Many rich Chinese enjoys a night out or bloody shopping in Hong Kong when they go to overseas. Many factory owners in Delta area enjoy flying out from Hong Kong compare to Guangzhou. And interestingly many those same factory owners intends or already have immigrated to Australia or New Zealand. If QF always claim the future of QFi is in Asia and China. Why not do something now?

6) EK is unlikely to join OneWorld any time

OneWorld do not need to be the biggest nor does EK need to join OneWorld. QF would be better off to explore existing partners opportunities to grow together!

7) JetStar Asia will meet its deadlock

With Air Asia Going stronger and stronger. The room for JetStar to grow is very much limited in Asia now. Within three four years JetStar Asia will meet its turning point toward the decline. The model of JetStar operating is not popular in Asia. Customers already made their choice. And not to forget the Singapore still have strict visa restriction to majority Chinese which will not help the growth of JetStar. Whereas KL and Bangkok are more friendlier to Chinese travellers. Thus to move hubs to more liberated hong kong to be in bed with Hong Kong would be ideal.