ACCC authorises Qantas-American aviation alliance on trans-Pacific routes
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued (14-Oct-2026) a final determination granting authorisation to Qantas Airways and American Airlines in respect of their aviation alliance on trans-Pacific routes. Similar arrangements between the carriers have been authorised since 2011. ACCC granted authorisation for a five year period until 30-Oct-2031. The authorisation enables continued joint business operations between and within Australia and the US, New Zealand, Canada and Mexico. [more - original PR]
Background ✨
The ACCC granted interim authorisation for Qantas Airways and American Airlines to continue cooperating on trans-Pacific routes after the carriers applied on 24-Nov-2025 for a five-year extension, with a final determination scheduled for Jun-2026.1 Separately, the ACCC issued a draft determination proposing to authorise Singapore Airlines and All Nippon Airways to coordinate aspects of Australia-Japan operations under a joint venture for five years, while granting interim authorisation only for discussions and planning.2