Emirates and Qantas welcome Draft ACCC Determination on Partnership 

(MENAFN - Emirates News Agency (WAM)) Emirates and Qantas have welcomed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) draft determination that proposes to grant authorisation for their partnership for five years.

The partnership will provide customers with a seamless international and Australian network, exclusive frequent flyer benefits and world class travel experiences.

The ACCC has issued a draft determination with a final decision due in March 2013. The implementation of the partnership remains subject to the ACCC's final determination and regulatory approval in other jurisdictions.

ACCC approval is required for Emirates and Qantas to coordinate on pricing, sales and capacity Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer, Alan Joyce, said the ACCC's draft determination was an important step towards delivering a better travel experience for millions of customers.

"We will now focus on responding to the issue raised by the ACCC in relation to the trans-Tasman as we move to securing final approval of this landmark partnership," he added.

President of Emirates Tim Clark said that the positive response from its customers had been matched with enthusiasm from the local tourism sector.

"The partnership with Qantas means we can add regional destinations like the Gold Coast and Hobart to the growing list of places we offer Emirates customers worldwide," he added.

Since announcing the proposed partnership in September, Emirates and Qantas have started initial preparations that do not require regulatory approval, including connecting IT systems, designing frequent flyer benefits and establishing an operational base for Qantas in Dubai.