No Qantas partnership with Malaysia Airlines
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Qantas has just issued a formal update on its international strategy, revealing that discussions about a possible partnership with Malaysia Airlines will not continue "due to parties being unable to reach mutually agreeable commercial terms".<\/p>\n
The proposed pact had included the establishment of QF's controversial new Asia-based premium airline, which it appears from the statement will now no longer proceed.<\/p>\n
CEO Alan Joyce said that despite the breakdown in negotiations, Asia remains a priority for the Qantas Group.<\/p>\n
He said the carrier was continuing to explore opportunities in the region, including joint ventures and alliances.<\/p>\n
"However, mindful of global economic uncertainty, and consistent with Qantas' focus on disciplined financial management, the group will allocate minimal capital to such ventures," he said.<\/p>\n
Joyce said that it was still vital to continue the transformation of QF's international business, with plans to return it to profitability in the short term "on track".<\/p>\n
The statement just issued didn't mention whether the cessation of talks with Malaysia Airlines would have an impact on MH's prospective membership of the oneworld Alliance, which Qantas is sponsoring.<\/p>\n