Brand USA Newsletter - September 2018

Airlines Seek Additional Flights Between Australia and the United States

American and Qantas Airlines have filed additional information with the U.S. government as the airlines seek approval for their proposed TransPacific Joint Business Agreement (JBA) that would mean more flights between Australia and the United States.

Qantas Airlines and American Airlines, a Brand USA partner, reapplied for their joint alliance with the Trump Administration earlier this year.  It was initially rejected in November 2016, under the then-Obama administration, out of concern that it would “harm competition” on the Australia-U.S. route.

The new submission to the US Department of Transportation outlines the economic value and growth opportunities of their proposed alliance.  It also explains what would happen on codeshare services new routes if the JBA is rejected.

Chicago could be Qantas’ next US gateway if the JBA is approved.  Chicago is discussed in relation to an increased codeshare arrangement with American Airlines spanning 436 destinations, including nearly 250 new city pairings. Chicago would be with Qantas’ mainstay destinations of Los Angeles, New York, Dallas/Fort Worth, and San Francisco.

In other news, Brand USA in Australia and New Zealand completed their MegaFam on August 22, bringing 50 travel agents to the United States to visit 12 states and enjoy a grand finale in Las Vegas. The agents deemed the MegaFam a tremendous success.

Chicago, meanwhile, received great reviews in an article the Escape section of the Advertiser, a daily newspaper published in Adelaide, South Australia which covers news throughout South Australia.  

Written by Mal Chenu, who was a guest on the trip of Brand USA, Choose Chicago and Expedia, the article highlights a travel experience to the renowned Midwestern city which offers “manicured parks, steely skyscrapers, winding river, bike paths and beaches a backdrop to renowned Midwestern friendliness and a fulsome feast of cultural and epicurean delights.”  To read the review, please visit: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/travel/world/north-america/news-story/fe157e868dcb3e0fcc818e45b01e98d2