Qantas and Emirates lodge formal submission to the ACCC

Qantas and Emirates lodged (10-Sep-2012) a joint formal submission to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) seeking approval for their proposed 10-year partnership and for interim approval to enable the airlines to begin commercial planning. The airlines expect the partnership will improve connectivity, provide greater choice of travel from Australia to Europe, Middle East and Africa while also enhancing benefits for frequent flyers. The airlines also expect the alliance to boost product innovation and create jobs and tourism opportunities. Competitors are expected to be forced to introduce more competitive fares and product. If approved, the partnership will see Qantas and Emirates offer 98 weekly Australia-Dubai frequencies while Qantas will gain one-stop access to over 70 Emirates destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Emirates will gain access to Qantas' domestic Australian network of over 50 destinations and 5000 flights per week. The airlines would also coordinate on services between Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. Qantas warned it would be forced to stop operating to Europe and further decrease its international operations if the partnership with Emirates was not to be approved. Qantas stated, "The proposed conduct is essential to underwrite the sustainability of Qantas International and to continue to provide substantial benefits to Australia and Australians." [more - original PR] [more - CAPA Analysis]