Australia’s competition regulator has issued a draft authorization to allow Qantas and Emirates to continue their joint coordination agreement.
Regulator the ACCC says the pact won’t negatively impact competition overall.
However, it did have concerns on the Sydney-Christchurch route where Air NZ is the only other competitor.
“The proposed conduct would likely result in public benefits, including increased connectivity and convenience,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.
“It will give greater choice of flight times and flexibility on routes where Qantas and Emirates overlap.”
Qantas and Emirates are seeking re-authorisation of a pact which was previously extended in 2018.
The preliminary granting is pending a period of submissions in response until 12 July 2023.
It will then make a final decision.
