Qantas and Emirates drop ACCC request for interim approval
Qantas and Emirates dropped (04-Oct-2012) their request to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for interim approval of their proposed alliance which would allow them to commence planning and negotiations ahead of the launch of the alliance in Mar/Apr-2013 (AAP/Australian Business Traveller/Business Spectator/Fairfax/Wall Street Journal, 04-Oct-2012). This follows requests from Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand for the granting of interim approval to be blocked. Qantas and Emirates are still seeking approval of the alliance. Meanwhile, Qantas is revising its London Heathrow network, as per a 04-Oct-2012 GDS timetable display - see Route Changes Table for more information:
- Singapore-London Heathrow: Twice daily service cancelled from 30-Mar-2013;
- Sydney-Singapore: Frequency reduced from 21 to 18 times weekly from 30-Mar-2013;
- Melbourne-Dubai-London Heathrow: Daily service from 31-Mar-2013 using A380 equipment;
- Sydney-Dubai-London Heathrow: Daily service from 31-Mar-2013 using A380 equipment.
Qantas will also reportedly increase Melbourne-Singapore frequency from 31-Mar-2013. The airline will continue to operate Singapore-Frankfurt service until Oct-2013. Qantas said the schedule changes did not involve coordination between Qantas and Emirates. ACCC chairman Rod Sims said the airlines' decision to withdraw their interim application would not impact on the ACCC's "broader assessment" of the planned alliance. Mr Sim also said, "The ACCC also notes that Qantas and Emirates believe that they are to undertake a significant amount of preparatory work without the need for interim authorisation". [more - original PR - Qantas] [more - original PR Qantas II] [more - original PR]