Emirates opposes quasi consolidation trend
Emirates' VP of public affairs and international affairs Andrew Parker warned of the threat to consumers from increasing consolidation of airlines via bilateral joint ventures and the three powerful global alliances (The Australian Financial Review, 22-Jul-2011). Mr Parker made the statement in Sydney, where Australian carriers, including Virgin Australia and Qantas are making efforts to forge commercial joint ventures with as many relevant partners as possible. His statements could be interpreted as the start of a campaign to get more slots in Australia.
Emirates: "Consumers interests are not served by allowing three dominant alliances to divvy up and fundamentally control markets. Independent carriers are a check on the alliances. If we accept alliances and antitrust immunity are here to stay, competition must be allowed to grow from independent carriers." Andrew Parker, VP of public affairs and international affairs. Source: The Australian Financial Review, 22-Jul-2011.