Helloworld extends Qantas partnership, signs new Jetstar deal

Travel firm Helloworld has extended its partnership with Qantas and signed a new deal with Jetstar.

Helloworld CEO Andrew Burnes. Pic: James Croucher

Travel firm Helloworld has announced a two-year extension of its partnership with major shareholder Qantas, while also unveiling a new one-year deal with the airline’s discount Jetstar carrier.

Helloworld (HLO) said it was Jetstar’s first commercial deal with a travel distributor in Australia, and will come into effect on August 1.

Helloworld chief executive Andrew Burnes said the new deals would open up “a range of new opportunities” for its retail and wholesale businesses.

Qantas is a major shareholder in Helloworld — second to Flight Centre in the Australian market — but cut its stake from 29 per cent to 19 per cent earlier this year. The airline is thought to be keen to promote more competition in the retail space in the Australian market.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said the companies would commence “a range of joint marketing and sales activities as well as investigate new commercial opportunities that benefit our businesses”.

“These deals go a long way toward strengthening our relationship with Helloworld as their number one airline supplier,” he said.

The Qantas deal takes effect from July 1.

Helloworld — which has more than 1600 members in its travel-agency and buying network in Australia and New Zealand — comprises retail travel businesses, destination management services (inbound), air ticket consolidation, wholesale, corporate and online operations.

Helloworld’s share price was up 0.66 per cent to $3.05 at 10.35am (AEST) against a benchmark drop of 0.25 per cent.