ACCC clears extension of Qantas-Emirates deal

The news: Qantas and UAE airline Emirates can continue coordinating passenger and cargo operations until 2028, after the ACCC granted approval. The networks include routes between Australia and the UK/Europe, NZ, Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, and will include Jetstar. The deal provides Emirates customers with access to Australian destinations and offers Qantas customers access to more European cities via a stopover in Dubai.

The numbers: In 2021, Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said more than 13 million people had travelled on the joint network, with an average of 13,000 Emirates passengers travelling on Qantas' domestic and regional services each month.

The context: The ACCC first authorised the agreement in 2013, and again in 2018. The competition watchdog said the deal would broaden locations, flight times and travel options for customers, but expressed concerns about the Sydney to Christchurch route, where Air New Zealand is the sole competitor. ACCC granted the deal under the condition Qantas and Emirates provide data on passenger revenue and operating costs for the next five years.