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| Image: Rob Finlayson |
Interim approval has been given for the codeshare agreement, which replaces Virgin Australia’s long-standing relationship with Delta Air Lines.
Australia’s competition regulator has granted interim approval for United Airlines’ planned codeshare partnership with Virgin Australia.
The carriers announced in December proposals for a new codeshare pact, as well as cooperation on their loyalty programs and airport lounge access. The agreement replaces a Virgin Australia-Delta Air Lines alliance that has existed for more than a decade and included a joint venture (JV) for transpacific flying.
The United partnership will more than triple the number of US destinations available to Virgin Australia passengers, the Australian airline said. Customers will have one-stop access to 92 US destinations via United.
The Chicago-based airline added it would enhance its Australian network through access to Virgin Australia’s domestic network, specifically citing new access for United passengers to Adelaide (ADL), Brisbane (BNE) and Perth (PER).
The Australia Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) said its interim authorization allows United to set the fares at which Virgin Australia may sell the services operated by United, whether those flights are sold as a standalone itinerary or as part of an itinerary that includes flight segments operated by Virgin Australia.
“The ACCC’s preliminary view is that this proposed codeshare arrangement with United Airlines is likely to result in a public benefit as it will help Virgin Australia re-establish its international network,” ACCC commissioner Stephen Ridgeway said.
“Currently, it appears that Virgin Australia is unlikely to be able to operate its own long-haul international services in the short term.”
Ridgeway added that the partnership is not likely to lessen competition as there is no operational overlap on any routes between Virgin Australia and United and there are other airlines operating on the routes.
United currently operates daily flights on the Los Angeles (LAX)-Sydney (SYD) and San Francisco (SFO)-Sydney routes and plans to recommence service between San Francisco and Melbourne (MEL) in June.
Source: Routesonline