In unexpected news, Air New Zealand and Qantas have announced a new domestic codeshare deal that will commence from October 28, once Air New Zealand’s current partnership with Virgin Australia ends.

Here’s what we know so far.

Included Routes

There are 30 routes in New Zealand that will see a QF code attached:

And 85 routes in Australia that will see a NZ code attached:

How about Trans-Tasman flights?

This Codeshare offering will exclude Trans-Tasman flights.

What is happening with Jetstar in New Zealand?

While Qantas’ low-cost carrier Jetstar has gradually ramped up operations in New Zealand over the past decade, they still come a distant second behind Air New Zealand in terms of routes and frequency.

While Qantas will continue to codeshare on all connecting Jetstar New Zealand services, they will also now have their code on most Air New Zealand domestic flights, which is a boon for Qantas loyalists.

For example, this Jetstar flight from New Plymouth to Auckland sold in conjunction with a connecting Qantas flight to Australia will remain available for purchase:

Qantas also sell a connection with Air New Zealand on the same route, which from October 28 will see a QF number attached to it:

Points and Status

Frequent flyers with Qantas and Air New Zealand will have the ability to earn Qantas Points and Airpoints Dollars on the respective codeshare routes, as well as status credits/points.

Lounge Access

This codeshare deal will open up Koru lounges to Qantas frequent flyers, and Qantas Club lounges to elite Airpoints members.

Will this deal work better for Kiwis than the existing Air New Zealand partnership with Virgin Australia? Let us know your thoughts below.