Major Australasian airlines have put aside their competitive differences and have agreed to work together to fight airports over rising fees.
A group of airlines including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, Regional Express Holdings, Jetstar and Tigerair have formed a lobbying alliance which will be called Airlines for Australia and New Zealand.
It will advocate for policy changes on taxation and fees, infrastructure development and other regulatory issues.
First up will be addressing surging airport fees charged by airport operators.
"Airport fees and charges continue to increase while airlines are offering fares at levels significantly cheaper than they were over a decade ago. A4ANZ’s goal is to achieve regulatory reform that will promote a competitive and sustainable airline industry in the interests of Australian and New Zealand travellers," said Qantas CEO Alan Joyce.
Former Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chairman Graeme Samuel will chair the group and lobby on behalf of the airlines.
Each airline will have a board seat within the organisation and a cjhef executive will be appointed in the near future.
"Aviation is one of the greatest enablers of tourism, trade and economic growth in our region, so it’s absolutely critical that airports operate efficiently and that investment in infrastructure benefits travellers," Virgin chief executive John Borghetti said.
