Post by Banker on Jan 17, 2013 7:25:26 GMT 7
The competition watchdog has given interim authorisation of Qantas alliance with Emirates.
Travellers will soon know how much it will cost to fly on a combined Qantas-Emirates network after their alliance received interim authorisation from the competition watchdog.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) ruling on Thursday comes ahead of its final ruling, expected in March.
"For consumers, interim authorisation means we can provide details on fares and allow people to book one-stop destinations on most parts of the combined Emirates and Qantas network," Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said in a statement.
"This decision means we can determine pricing, capacity and scheduling with Emirates, in addition to the more logistical aspects of the partnership that we have been working through already."
Fares for flights on the combined network from April were expected to be available to customers in the coming weeks, he said.
Qantas shares were up 2.25 cents, or 1.5 per cent, at $1.5625 at 1044 AEDT.
The proposed alliance involves an extensive codesharing arrangement, reciprocal frequent-flyer benefits and joint marketing, pricing and co-ordination on certain routes between the two carriers.
It is regarded as a key plank of Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce's plan to turn around the airline's struggling international arm, which lost $450 million in 2011/12.
The ACCC said its interim authorisation may be reviewed at any time, and should not be seen as an indication of whether final approval will be approved or not.
au.news.yahoo.com/latest/a/-/latest/15856673/qantas-working-on-new-fares/