According to recent reports, Qantas has identified China as one of its potential bases for its passenger and freight operations to Europe. The CEO of Qantas, Alan Joyce, said that China offers a huge opportunity for the company. Qantas would love to hub out of China into Europe.

So far, Qantas has been approved air rights by Chinese authorities. However, they are still waiting on approval from European regulators. It is not yet known how long Qantas will have to wait before they hear back from European regulators on their plans.

Mr Joyce’s enthusiasm was tempered by the airline’s tumultuous history with China. The airline has already lost a lot of money during the global financial crisis. The airline, during these troubled times, had to cancel flights between Shanghai and Sydney in 2001. The airline was not able to reintroduce these flights for another four years.

Back in January, however, Qantas budget offshoot Jetstar chose Singapore as its main hub in Asia. This area was chosen over Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok. The low fare airline is currently looking to fly to Athens and Rome with a new Boeing 747 aircraft.

Mr Joyce went on to say that Singapore is a focus for the company. However, eventually, if the companies pan-Asian strategy works, people could see Jetstar and Qantas operations based in a number of cities in Asia. Jetstar will eventually have multiple hubs in Asia.

Right now all Qantas can do is wait for European regulators to give their verdict. However, it is very unlikely that the company will not win European approval.