ACCC says Qantas and Emirates can still collaborate schedules

The ACCC has granted interim authorisation for Qantas and Emirates to continue coordinating their flight schedules days before their existing deal was due to expire. The arrangement between the two airlines was first agreed upon in 2013, but was due to expire on 31 March 2023. The pair are ultimately seeking to extend it for another five years. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce in 2021 called the partnership one of “the most significant” in aviation. “The international aviation market will take years to fully recover so close collaboration between airline partners is going to be more important than ever,” he said. The partnership requires ACCC approval because it allows a level of collaboration that may otherwise break Australia’s competition rules. Under the deal, the Flying Kangaroo’s customers can book tickets through Dubai, connecting to the larger airline’s huge network, while Emirates passengers enjoy similar perks in reverse. Tim Clark, president of the state-owned Emirates, said last year, “As borders re-open, we look forward to restoring our Australian flight schedules, including our popular A380 services.” The positive news for Qantas comes days after the ACCC delayed making a ruling over whether it would allow the national carrier to purchase FIFO operator Alliance.<br/>