STAFF at Qantas may be relocated from the airline’s Hammersmith offices to partner British Airways’ Heathrow headquarters as part of an ongoing review of its sales functions.
New general manager UK and Ireland Sally Martin said: “We will only resolve to move if it reduces costs and increases benefits. We already co-locate in some regions.”
A move to BA’s Waterside office would allow the airlines to increase their co-operation in sales strategies on the highly lucrative kangaroo route from the UK to Australia.
BA, which owns 25% of Qantas, already codeshares on routes with the Australian carrier in Asian destinations following the gradual build-up of UK-Australia services.
Martin said only part of the group may move from the airline’s west London offices.
Problems with making its technology millennium compliant has slowed the final outcome of the review, which is expected to be announced next year, Martin added.
Meanwhile, she said the airline was looking to increase revenues by raising the profile of its jointly served Asian destinations with BA in the UK. These include flights to Singapore, Bangkok and Bali.
She also plans to improve the Qantas codeshare deal with Emirates, another BA codeshare partner, after taking over responsibility for the Middle East. Qantas already shares seats on Emirates’ Dubai-Melbourne route, but the UAE carrier is expected to enhance its Australian network next year, which could lead to more co-operation with the Australian carrier.