Etihad welcomes Australian regulator's decision on Virgin alliance

Etihad Airways has welcomed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) draft determination approving the reauthorisation of its commercial cooperation agreement with Virgin Australia for a further five years. This will enable Etihad Airways and Virgin Australia to continue codesharing on the Australia-Abu Dhabi route and offering reciprocal lounge and frequent flyer benefits beyond the current authorisation’s expiry date of 25 February 2016. Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, James Hogan, said: “Today’s announcement by the ACCC is great news for the partnership and for Australian travellers. In its first five years, the partnership between Etihad Airways and Virgin Australia has promoted vigorous competition in the Australian travel market, increasing choice for travellers, and has generated significant benefits and increased revenue for each airline through the alignment of our operations." Etihad Airways has a 24.2% stake in Virgin Australia Holdings (VAH) and holds a seat on the Virgin Australia board. Under the current agreement, Etihad Airways and Virgin Australia offer codeshare services to 39 international destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Pakistan, and to 52 destinations in Australia and Asia.