Virgin Blue-Etihad alliance gets interim nod

Australia's corporate watchdog has granted interim approval to Virgin Blue Holdings' proposed alliance with Etihad Airways, reported Dow Jones Newswires.

The decision comes despite the objections of Qantas Airways, which had requested that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) knock back Virgin and Etihad's request for fast approval.

"The ACCC is aware that consumers who book one of the new services during the period of interim authorisation are likely to be affected if final authorisation is denied," the regulator said. "However, Virgin Blue and Etihad have put in place route protection plans to manage the travel arrangements of any affected passengers," it said.

The ACCC said interim approval would allow the airlines to commence preparations for the alliance and promote it to travellers.
(Source:www.cargonewsasia.com)