Australian Competition Watchdog Extends Qantas-Emirates Partnership

Qantas and Emirates have been given permission to continue their partnership for another five-year period. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has given its final approval for the agreement. Initially, the ACCC approved their collaboration back in 2013, and extended it in 2018 for another five years.

A statement from the ACCC stated: “We think this continual coordination will benefit travelers by facilitating connectivity between a wide range of destinations as well as optimizing earning and redemption opportunities from their respective loyalty rewards programs”.

The partnership lets the two airlines cooperate in various routes, such as Europe, New Zealand, Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. The ACCC clarified, however, that it is worried this could affect the competition of Sydney and Christchurch, New Zealand.

Related: Australian Watchdog Extends Approval Of Qantas-Emirates Joint Venture

Data from CAPA and OAG show a strong presence of the airlines in Australia’s international market. Emirates has the fifth-largest share of Australian international seat capacity for the week of August 14. It constitutes 7.3% of the said market, with Qantas, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand making up the top four. Australia is the fourth-largest market of Emirates, after India, the UK, and the US.

The two airlines had sought an interim authorization on March 23 to continue operating the partnership as the ACCC was in the process of considering the case. A draft approval was then given on June 22, and ends with the final approval given on August 17.

The collaboration between Qantas and Emirates is set to bring more benefits and convenience to travelers, especially those intending on traveling to a variety of destinations.

Source: Aviation Week