Summary
On 7 November 2022, Qantas Airways Limited (Qantas) and Emirates (together, the Applicants) applied for re-authorisation to continue to coordinate their operations under a Restated Master Coordination Agreement (Restated MCA). The Applicants were re-authorised to engage in this conduct on 23 March 2018 for a period of 5 years, subject to a condition. The current application relates to the same conduct, except the Applicants are seeking the removal of the condition imposed in authorisation AA1000400.
The Applicants also seek interim authorisation on the basis that the existing authorisation will expire on 31 March 2023, such that the Applicants can continue to discuss and plan while the substantive application for re-authorisation is being assessed by the ACCC.
Under the Restated MCA, Qantas and Emirates propose to cooperate for a further period of five years across their global networks, including in relation to:
- planning, scheduling, operating and capacity
- sales, marketing, advertising, promotion, distribution strategies, reservation priority and pricing for passengers, freight customers and agents
- connectivity and integration of certain routes
- codeshare and interline arrangements
- control of inventories and yield management functions
- frequent flyer programs
- all passenger-related aspects of service to customers, including ground services and lounge access
- harmonising service and product standards in order to provide a seamless product to passengers
- harmonising IT systems
- joint airport facilities
- joint offices for sales activities
- potentially other aspects of operations including ground handling, joint procurement and flight operations
- where appropriate and mutually agreed, making joint submissions to authorities on operational matters
- services and activities that are required to facilitate any of the matters referred to above.
Re-authorisation is sought until at least 31 March 2028.
An indicative timetable for the ACCC’s assessment is set out below.
|
Indicative date |
Stage in assessment process |
|
7 November 2022 |
Lodgement of application and supporting submission. |
|
5 December 2022 |
Public consultation process begins. |
|
25 January 2023 |
Closing date for submissions from interested parties. |
|
February 2023 |
Applicant responds to issues raised in the public consultation process |
|
February/March 2023 |
Draft determination. |
|
March/April 2023 |
Public consultation on draft determination including any conference if called. |
|
April/May 2023 |
Final determination. |
Authorisation number(s)
- AA1000625-1