Emirates and Qantas welcome ACCC decision on partnership

Emirates and Qantas have welcomed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) approval of their partnership for a period of five years. The partnership will provide customers with a seamless international and Australian network, frequent flyer benefits and world-class travel experiences. The decision follows a six month review process by the ACCC that included several rounds of public submissions, a pre-decision conference and a comprehensive analysis of the benefits the partnership will deliver to customers. As part of the decision, Qantas and Emirates have committed to maintain current levels of capacity on the four routes that both airlines fly between Australia and New Zealand. Subject to approval in New Zealand, the ability to cooperate on these Trans Tasman routes creates the potential for the two airlines to market both Australia and New Zealand to their global networks. Emirates customers are now able choose from 32 Australian destinations that Qantas operates to including Canberra, Port Lincoln, Cairns and Hobart, opening up Australia to passengers from all over the ever expanding Emirates network. Qantas and Emirates applied to the ACCC for authorisation of their partnership in September 2012. In December the ACCC released its draft determination, indicating its intention to approve the partnership for a period of five years. In January 2013, the ACCC approved an application for interim approval, which enabled the two airlines to coordinate pricing, schedules and capacity in advance of yesterday's decision. Fares on the joint network went on sale in mid-January for travel from 31 March 2013, subject to regulatory approval. Preparations for the partnership, including Qantas' new operational hub in Dubai, are now complete. The first flight is scheduled from Sydney to London (via Dubai) on 31 March.