Virgin Blue and Etihad welcome interim approval of partnership

Virgin Blue Group and Etihad Airways welcomed (23-Sep-2010) the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) interim approval of their proposed alliance. CEO and Managing Director, John Borghetti, said the approval by the ACCC meant the airlines would commence selling airfares between Australia and Abu Dhabi with connections on Etihad's extensive network from 01-Oct-2010. Etihad CEO James Hogan stated "it is air travellers around the world who have the most to gain from the partnership". Mr Hogan added the carriers will look to further expand the partnership in the future. Together, Etihad and V Australia will move towards 27 weekly services between Abu Dhabi and Australia - including twice daily services between Abu Dhabi and Sydney, daily Melbourne-Abu Dhabi flights and six frequencies per week between Abu Dhabi and Brisbane. [more - Virgin Blue] [more - Etihad Airways]