Sheikh Ahmed says no room for revenue sharing in Emirates-Qantas talks

More details are emerging of the potential links between Emirates airline and Australia's struggling national carrier Qantas.

Last week Qantas said it was in talks with Emirates about a potential alliance.

But speaking today, Emirates chairman, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum, said any agreements would not include any revenue sharing.

News agency Reuters quoted the Dubai airline’s chief as saying: "The objective is to eventually see Qantas fly through Dubai," and said talks centred on code-share deals. "The deal is likely within six months," he said. "We are not discussing revenue sharing."

Industry analyst Saj Ahmad said: Emirates is keen to boost is presence in Australia, particularly as Virgin Australia works to deepen its ties with Etihad. The key is access to the domestic market and also to high volume routes served by Qantas' offshoot, Jetstar. While Emirates may indeed advocate Qantas flying to Dubai, it’s not at all clear or even likely that they'll allow Qantas to use Dubai as a springboard to Europe of other destinations.

“Emirates is calling the shots. And with no financial incentive for Qantas, you have to wonder just what it is that they aim to get out of such a deal.”