Scoot is the first airline in the world to offer Changi Connects, a new facilitated transfer service provided by Changi Airport Group

Emirates chief executive Tim Clark has publicly backed Australia’s national carrier Qantas and the airline’s oft-scrutinised chief Alan Joyce for his recent controversial operational decisions.

The Emirates boss predicted a big turnaround for Qantas over the next few years, emphasising the current phase of restructuring will be “the basis for something solid,” according to The Australian.

“Within three years, given the Qantas strategy, given its link to Emirates and us to them, things will be completely different for Qantas,” Mr Clark said.

“As things start to pick up, I think share value will rise, investor interest will increase and respect for what the management are doing and will do will increase.”

Qantas announced an extensive aviation partnership with Emirates in September this year, terminating their seventeen year relationship with British Airways.

“Alan knew he had to take out the big knife and make some surgical changes to the way the Qantas group was organised,” Mr Clark said.

“If it was me in the same position, I wouldn't be able to do anything else... That's why, I think, probably I support what he is doing.”

Although not opposing the alliance, some New Zealand airports have questioned the airlines’ request for the QF/EK partnership to be approved for 10 years.

While the proposed tie-up is focused on routes between Australia and Europe, Qantas and Emirates have sought to extend it to cover routes across the Tasman, according to the Brisbane Times.

The Qantas Group announced a major share buy-back and substantial debt repayments, reflecting the Board of Directors confidence in the value of the airlines operations, despite poor market performance.

Qantas has confirmed it will raise international fares by three percent from 21 November 2012.

Sourced: etravelbrackboardasia