The ACCC proposes to revoke authorisations A91470 and A91471 and grant authorisation AA1000526 in substitution to enable Qantas and China Eastern Airlines to give effect to an extended Joint Coordination Agreement under which the airlines will continue to coordinate their operations between Australia and mainland China until March 2022.
In the context of the significant disruption to international travel resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the ACCC considers the joint coordination agreement is likely to result in faster and more sustainable reinstatement and potential growth in capacity between Australia and China, representing a benefit to consumers seeking to travel between the two countries as restrictions ease.
The ACCC proposes to grant re-authorisation until 31 March 2022.
The ACCC now invites submissions in relation to this draft determination by 8 January 2021, before making its final decision.
Further information about the ACCC’s draft determination is available on the ACCC public register at: Qantas Airways Limited & China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited.