Virgin Blue and Etihad Airways have each signaled their satisfaction at the interim approval from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for an alliance between the airlines.
Qantas was among those who have objected to the alliance.
Virgin Blue Group CEO John Borghetti said the approval by the ACCC meant the airlines would commence selling airfares between Australia and Abu Dhabi with connections on Etihad’s extensive network from October 1.
Etihad and Virgin Blue will offer customers a new joint global flight network, connecting passengers between Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and North America.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ CEO said the interim approval “is clearly fantastic news for both Etihad and Virgin Blue and one we welcome wholeheartedly”.
Another element of the partnership is that from February 2011 Virgin Blue’s international arm, V Australia, will launch direct services to Abu Dhabi subject to obtaining final authorisation from the ACCC.
