Emirates (EK, Dubai International) will suspend its daily Sydney Kingsford Smith, Australia – Auckland International, New Zealand A380-800 flight, effective July 13. Qantas (QF, Sydney Kingsford Smith) has announced that it will step in for its partner, offering a 2x daily A330-200 service in its place. Qantas will also offer a 3x daily B737-800 service, increasing its weekly Sydney-Auckland frequency from 32 to 35 flights. The Australian carrier has said it may upgauge the B737 flights dependent on demand.

Qantas CEO Gareth Evans has said the network change is possible because of the close partnership the two airlines enjoy. "These schedule changes also mean customers travelling to and from New Zealand have more convenient options to connect with the broader Qantas and Emirates network, especially into Asia," he said.

Moreover, the new timings will more greatly appeal to business travellers from New Zealand, with the addition of another early morning service.

The Sydney-Auckland trans-Tasman market currently has a weekly capacity of almost 22,000 seats, with Air New Zealand (NZ, Auckland International) taking 31.8%, followed by Qantas at 23.8% and Emirates with 16.5%. The change in schedule will essentially see Qantas be the dominant single airline on this route, ahead of Air New Zealand.