The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced it has re-authorised an alliance between Qantas (QF, Sydney Kingsford Smith) and Emirates (EK, Dubai International) for a further five years, subject to a condition.
The global alliance, which was first authorized in 2013, covers Qantas’ and Emirates’ air passenger and cargo transport operations wherein the two coordinate their planning, scheduling, operating and capacity, sales, marketing, advertising, promotion and pricing for passengers, freight customers and agents, connectivity and integration of certain routes, codeshare and interline arrangements, frequent flyer programs and all aspects of customer service (including ground services and lounge access).
“The continued coordination by Qantas and Emirates of their air passenger and cargo transport operations will likely lead to a range of public benefits such as improved connectivity and loyalty program benefits,” ACCC Commissioner Roger Featherston said in a statement.
The ACCC has imposed a condition of authorisation to address continuing competition concerns on the Sydney – Christchurch route.
“The alliance must report to the ACCC on seats and passengers flown, fares and route profitability on routes between Australia and New Zealand. The condition allows us to set a minimum level of capacity on the Sydney to Christchurch route at any time, if needed,” Featherston added.
