ACCC re-authorises the Star Alliance Corporate Plus and Conventions Plus programs
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued a determination granting authorisation* to the Star Alliance for its Corporate Plus and Conventions Plus programs for a period of five years, ACCC Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel, said today.
The Corporate Plus and Conventions Plus programs enable the Star Alliance's members to collectively offer discounts and incentives to potential corporate clients and convention organisers. The programs enable these clients to have access to the combined Star Alliance network through a single point of contact and a single agreement.
The ACCC is satisfied that the benefits to the public will outweigh the potential anti-competitive detriment of proposed arrangements. The ACCC considers that there will be benefit as a result of the potential for lower fares, increased competition and cost savings.
The ACCC considers that any detriment to the public as a result of these arrangements will be limited. In particular, there will remain a high level of competition from other carriers and participating in the arrangements is voluntary for both Star Alliance members and their potential customers.
The ACCC's determination will be available from the ACCC website.
*Authorisation provides immunity from court action for conduct that might otherwise raise concerns under the competition provisions of the Trade Practices Act 1974. Broadly, the ACCC may grant an authorisation when it is satisfied that the public benefit from the conduct outweighs any public detriment. In considering a request for authorisation, the ACCC conducts a comprehensive public consultation process.
