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The ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) has granted formal approval for Qantas and American Airlines’ planned Joint Business Agreement (JBA), which will see the two airlines expand their codesharing and coordination of services between Australia/New Zealand and the US.
“The ACCC does not consider that the JBA will have any anti-competitive effects, as Qantas and American Airlines do not currently provide any overlapping direct services on the trans-Pacific routes,” ACCC chairman Rod Sims said.
“This JBA is likely to result in new and improved products and services which will benefit passengers, including improved schedules and connectivity.”
According to group executive Qantas Airlines commercial, Rob Gurney,“With approval or our joint business agreement, Qantas and American Airlines can now work closely together on strategic initiatives that will benefit our customers on both continents.”
Gurney said that “Customers can expect to benefit from better flight schedules, expanded codesharing, more coordinated services, and greater access to a wider variety of fares.”
The ACCC has also previously authorised the alliance agreement between Virgin Australia and Delta, and issued a draft decision to approve the Qantas-AA alliance last month.
