CCS clears proposed strategic alliance between Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand

Competition Commission of Singapore (CCS) cleared (17-Apr-2014) the proposed strategic alliance between Singapore Airlines Limited and Air New Zealand Limited. CCS said it finds that the proposed strategic alliance could raise competition concerns, but these would be offset by net economic benefits to Singapore. Its decision followed a review of the submissions provided by the parties concerned and various stakeholders, including the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and Changi Airport Group. Under the proposed tie-up announced in Jan-2014, the two carriers plan to increase services between Singapore and New Zealand. It will allow Air New Zealand passengers to access codeshare travel on the Singapore Airlines network to Europe, Africa and other parts of Southeast Asia. In return, SIA customers can travel across Air New Zealand's domestic network and other Pacific destinations. [more - original PR]