Qantas and Emirates have welcomed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) re-authorization of their partnership until 2023.

For customers, the continuation of the joint business, announced in August 2017, will deliver expanded services, greater schedule choice, increased frequent flyer benefits and an ongoing commitment to the development of world-class products and travel experiences.

Qantas International CEO, Alison Webster, said: “The ACCC’s re-authorisation of our joint business is an important milestone in helping us continue to deliver benefits for travellers and Australian tourism for the next five years.

“The evolution of our partnership reflects changes in customer demand and will allow us to leverage the latest aircraft technology and maximise new routes.

“With three options to get to Europe; via Perth, Singapore and Dubai, and greater frequency across the Tasman, the ACCC’s decision allows us to continue to jointly provide the best network, the best service and the best frequent flyer programs for millions of customers travelling between Australia/New Zealand and the UK and Europe.”

Thierry Antinori, Emirates’ executive vice president and chief commercial officer: “We look forward to progressing on the plans that will take our successful partnership to its next phase. Together, we offer travellers access to even more destinations on our joint network, more convenient flight choices, and frequent flyer benefits.

Over the next five years, we will continue to work closely with our partner Qantas to deliver benefits for our customers, for Australia’s air transport connectivity, and for both airlines.” - TradeArabia News Service