The ACCC is proposing to re-authorise the alliance between
The alliance enables
"The ACCC considers the public benefits from this alliance are likely to continue under this re-authorisation," ACCC Commissioner
"Passengers travelling on Trans-Pacific routes could benefit through enhanced products and services, including a greater likelihood of increased capacity and new routes; increased connectivity and improved schedule choice. Loyalty program benefits and improved lounge access, cost savings and efficiencies are also likely to be a result."
The ACCC considers that the extent to which these public benefits are likely to be realised depends on the rate of recovery in demand for Trans-Pacific services following the COVID-19 pandemic. The greater the demand for these services, the greater the public benefit that is likely to be realised.
Authorisation will allow the two airlines to coordinate on a range of matters, including marketing and sales, freight, pricing, scheduling, distribution strategies including agency arrangements, yield and inventory management, frequent flyer programs, lounges, joint procurement and product and service standards.
"The alliance is unlikely to result in any significant public detriment, because the ACCC considers that
The ACCC has also granted interim authorisation to allow the airlines to continue their alliance beyond
The ACCC is now seeking submissions from interested parties in relation to the draft determination. The draft determination and more information on how to make a submission are available on the ACCC public register at
Background
The ACCC first authorised an alliance between
Notes to editors
ACCC authorisation provides statutory protection from court action for conduct that might otherwise raise concerns under the competition provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Broadly, the ACCC may grant an authorisation when it is satisfied that the likely public benefit from the conduct outweighs any likely public detriment. Release number: 13/21ACCC Infocentre:
Use this form to make a general enquiry. Media enquiries: Media Team - 1300 138 917, media@accc.gov.au Topics
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(C) 2021 M2 COMMUNICATIONS, source