Australian airline Qantas closer to Emirates alliance

Qantas and Emirates are looking to push forward with a non-financial agreement Australian airline Qantas Airways has been given the initial approval by Australia\'s competition authority for a partnership with Emirates. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said the benefits of the alliance with Dubai-based Emirates would outweigh the reduced competition.
The transaction itself is non-financial, and based on both companies working together to co-ordinate ticket prices and flight schedules.
Qantas and Emirates announced their alliance plans back in September. ACCC will make a final decision in March. Its chairman Rod Sims said: \"The ACCC considers that the alliance is likely to result in material, although not substantial, benefits to Australian consumers. The main benefit arising from the alliance is an improved product and service offering by the two airlines to their customers.\"
Qantas will ends its existing relationship with British Airways to work with Emirates.