Qantas-Emirates tie-up takes another step forward
Qantas and Emirates’ alliance plans took another step forward today (17 January 2013), when the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) granted interim approval for the airlines’ proposed partnership.
The alliance remains subject to final authorisation from the ACCC, which is expected in March 2013, but the latest ruling will enable the two airlines to proceed with practical preparations for the start of the alliance in April, confident in the knowledge that it will be given the green light.
“This decision means we can determine pricing, capacity and scheduling with Emirates, in addition to the more logistical aspects of the partnership that we have been working through already,” said Qantas’ Group CEO, Alan Joyce. “For consumers, interim authorisation means we can provide details on fares and allow people to book one stop destinations on most parts of the combined Emirates and Qantas network.”
Today’s decision includes a condition that Qantas and Emirates do not yet coordinate on services between Australia and New Zealand, reflecting the fact that New Zealand is yet to approve the deal.
Other global fares on the combined network are expected to be available in coming weeks, once discussions on pricing have taken place.
“Through this partnership and with interim authorisation, Emirates will now be able to market Qantas destinations like Hobart and the Gold Coast to their customers, which is a real benefit for Australian tourism,” Joyce said.
The two airlines have already been worked towards integrating their IT systems, frequent flyer programme and establishing an operational base for Qantas in Dubai. Once the alliance comes into effect in April 2013, Qantas will re-route its European routes through Dubai.