Great news regarding the last nail in the alliance plan, and a very important one - with Singapore Ailines. Info from news.com.au
THE competition watchdog has indicated it will clear Virgin Australia's partnership with Singapore Airlines, saying the deal will benefit consumers.
In a draft decision, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) proposes to grant authorisation for the alliance, which was announced in June.
"The ACCC considers that this alliance is likely to result in material benefits to the public including enhanced products and services, in particular increased online connectivity for passengers," ACCC chairman Rod Sims said in a statement today .
"The ACCC also considers that the alliance is likely to make Virgin Australia more competitive with other airlines, including Qantas."
The proposed long-term alliance would see the two carriers codeshare on each other's flights and work together on schedules, routes and pricing.
It would give Virgin access to about 70 destinations, including 10 ports in India and eight in China, two of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets.
The ACCC said the two airlines compete on a limited number of routes, and the deal would not likely result in a weakening of competition.
The ACCC will now seek further comment from Virgin, Singapore Airlines and other interested parties before making a final determination.
