Australian Airline Qantas today said it is planning to increase flights to India and other Asian countries using longer range Dreamliner planes in the next three years.

Rolling out its new four phase strategy for the Asian Market, it said direct destinations under consideration include Beijing, Seoul, Mumbai, Delhi and Tokyo-Haneda.

This is proposed to be undertaken through local partners such as Japan Airlines, China Eastern, Jet Airways, Cathay Pacific and Malaysia Airlines, a statement by the airline said.

Qantas said a series of improvements to its international network, as part of a phased approach, was aimed at delivering the best offering between Australia and Asia.

“The improvements — the first of which take effect from 31 March 2013 — will be rolled out in four phases and go towards the Qantas Group strategy of ‘growing with Asia’,” it said.

Chief Executive Officer of Qantas International, Simon Hickey, said Asia remained a key pillar for the airline.

“Through a combination of Qantas, Jetstar and our partners we aim to provide the best travel options between Australia and Asia, all linked to one of the world’s leading frequent flyer programmes,” he said.

“Our first step has been to restructure existing services to Asia now that they are no longer tied to onward links to Europe.

“The number of dedicated seats on Qantas services to Hong Kong and Singapore is increasing significantly because capacity previously set aside for customers going to Europe via these hubs can be freed up.”

The airline, however, said Qantas and Emirates still need final approval for their alliance from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. It is expected to make its decision next month.

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