QANTAS AND BRITISH AIRWAYS STRENGTHEN ALLIANCE WITH JOINT OFFICE AND ONE-STOP TRAVEL CENTRE IN HONG KONG

HONG KONG, 9 May 2000 – Qantas Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Dixon and British Airways Commercial Director, Carl Michel flew into Hong Kong today to officiate at the opening of the airlines’ new integrated office in downtown Central.

“Today our longstanding alliance between Qantas and British Airways, two of the world’s leading international airlines, takes another step forward. Both airlines have a reputation for continuing innovation for the benefit of our customers and our new combined operations in Hong Kong will offer passengers more convenience, greater choice and improved customer service,” said Mr Dixon.

Mr Dixon and Mr Michel invited Australian Consul General, Mr Bill Tweddell and Deputy British Consul General, Mr Andrew Seaton, to join them in cutting the ribbon to mark the official opening of the new office and Travel Centre on the 24th Floor of Jardine House.

Mr Michel said: “Hong Kong is a strategic point in Asia for Qantas and British Airways and by working closely together can ensure that both airlines are in the best position to meet the challenges of this competitive industry. This investment also confirms our commitment and confidence in Hong Kong and will strengthen our ability to take advantage of the improving economic performance of the region.”

The new Travel Centre, staffed by a team of specially trained travel consultants, will assist customers with their travel plans in a relaxed atmosphere.

Mr Freddy Li, Country Manager for Qantas and British Airways said: “Travel on Qantas or British Airways is now more convenient than ever. This new one-stop travel centre signifies both airlines’ commitment to delivering seamless and high quality customer service on the ground as well as in the air.”

Qantas and British Airways announced their intention last September to combine aspects of their operations in Hong Kong after the successful establishment of joint operations in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. The new Hong Kong town structure, headed by Mr Freddy Li, integrates telesales, ticketing and marketing. The airport already operates a joint lounge for Qantas and British Airways passengers.

The New Qantas/British Airways Integrated Team

Qantas and British Airways (QF/BA) have appointed some of their most experienced people to head up the joint office and lead a team of 96 people. Chosen for their diverse backgrounds, international and local expertise, as well as industry know-how, the following industry professionals have been appointed:

Freddy Li, QF/BA Country Manager Hong Kong heads up the integrated office. A local Hong Kong resident, Freddy has an impressive background, having worked in the aviation industry for over 30 years. Over twenty of those years were spent at British Airways, with the last three years heading Qantas’ operations in Hong Kong, Macau and Southern China. Freddy has helped bring the organisation together and is now responsible for leading the new team in the joint office.

Working with Freddy over the past three years is Johnny Choi, Sales Manager for Qantas. Johnny joined Qantas in 1974 in airline sales and was promoted to Sales Manager, overlooking all sales activities in Hong Kong and Taiwan in 1980. Prior to joining Qantas, Johnny spent 10 years with Jardine Airways overseeing passenger services, aircraft dispatch and cargo handling. With a wealth of experience spanning 36 years, he now heads Qantas sales for the Hong Kong, Macau and Southern China regions.

A new face in Hong Kong is Chadd L. Gorden, Commercial Sales Manager – Hong Kong for British Airways. Chadd was appointed Commercial Sales Manager – Hong Kong in April 2000 to head up British Airways’ corporate and sales strategy. Formerly stationed at British Airways Dallas/Fort Worth for the past two and a half years, Chadd brings the latest in leading edge corporate sales techniques and experience. He will lead the corporate sales team with the best-in-class sales techniques and commercial knowledge. Chadd previously worked with Northwest Airlines as Inflight Services Manager.

Nadia Stoyle, QF/BA Marketing Manager – Hong Kong began her career with British Airways at its London headquarters in October 1999. She relocated to Hong Kong in April to head up marketing for Qantas and British Airways. Nadia has worked in the region for over 13 years including five years in the China market. She spent nearly four years with Cathay Pacific as Corporate Communications Manager International. In her new role, she oversees advertising, public relations, internet strategy and delivery, customer relations, loyalty marketing, sponsorship and community programmes for both airlines.

A long-time veteran in the travel agent industry, Lily T. Agonoy, QF/BA Operations Manager rounds out the team with extensive industry knowledge of the corporate travel agency and trade business. With over 14 years experience in the travel trade industry, Lily offers a strong link to the travel agent community including insight, understanding, and requirement needs. Lily is well-versed in the local Hong Kong community and is responsible for the smooth operation of the Travel Centre and telesales divisions.


QANTAS AND BRITISH AIRWAYS
“ONE-STOP” TRAVEL CENTRE

Qantas and British Airways (QF/BA) have set up a conveniently located “one-stop” Travel Centre in downtown Central.

Specially trained travel consultants are on hand to offer customers a range of services and over the counter sales. Besides the traditional service of quoting fares and providing information on the airlines’ schedules, the consultants also provide advice on individual and corporate travel arrangements, round-the-world and oneworld travel, unaccompanied minors, senior citizen fares, office and fax check-in services, frequent flyer programmes, seating assignments, current promotions and other value added benefits.

The Travel Centre distributes information on Qantas Holidays and British Airways tour packages. Travel consultants can also discuss hotel choices, offer destination and sightseeing advice and even book London theatre and London Eye tickets.

Occupying a prominent space on the 24th Floor, Jardine House in Central, the Travel Centre makes in-person travel arrangements a pleasant and relaxing experience for customers.

For customers unable to visit the Travel Centre, an expanded telesales team is available to make and confirm bookings as well as assist passengers with their travel plans over the telephone. The new facility has over 100 telephone lines with dedicated numbers for Qantas Frequent Flyer, British Airways Executive Club and an agents hotline.

Information of the Travel Centre:

Location: 24/F, Jardine House
1 Connaught Place

Central

Hong Kong

Travel Centre Manager: Lily Agonoy

Travel Centre Tel No.: 2822 9090

Travel Centre Fax No.: 2822 9096

Office Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Saturday: 9:00 am – 12:45 pm

Closed on Sunday and Public Holiday