BY JAMES WILKINSON

Qantas and British Airways have taken the Ashes rivalry to the skies, with a promotion that could see English fans winning yet another famous battle.

BA could be offering a big discount if England
dominate the batting in the fifth test of The Ashes…

The two airlines will each be offering a discount on the price of an economy fare from Sydney to London, with the cost determined by the highest single innings total of the English and Australian teams in the fifth test, being played this week.

For example, if Australia’s highest innings total is 312, then that is the discount Qantas would offer, while if England’s highest score is 580, then British Airways would offer that amount off its equivalent fare.

“England and Australia always battle hard on the cricket field and this special fare from British Airways and Qantas is sure to get the crowds cheering for their team louder than ever,” said British Airways’ Regional Commercial Manager, Nicole Backo.

...while Qantas could only offer under $300 off if
Australia’s batting form slump continues

Both Qantas and British Airways are offering 250 tickets each and the discounted fares are available from midday January 8 until sold out through the airlines’ websites (www.qantas.com and www.ba.com) and travel agents for 24 hours.

Qantas Airways Executive Manager, Australia Sales, Stephen Limbrick, said the competition would add to the friendly rivalry on display during the Ashes series.
 
“Qantas and British Airways are the strongest of airline partners, but when it comes to cricket we are as competitive as the teams on the field, and we look forward to offering some great discounts for our customers,” Limbrick said.

The British Airways tickets are for travel from Sydney to London between February 1 – 31 March and May 1 – 31 May 2011, while the Qantas allocation is available for travel from February 1 – 31 March, 2011.