Etihad and Virgin Blue Receive ACCC Approval for Alliance

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has granted authorisation for a five-year alliance between UAE carrier ETIHAD AIRWAYS and the VIRGIN BLUE GROUP of airlines. This gives a green light for the airlines to co-operate on joint pricing and scheduling of services across their respective networks. The alliance means that from 24FEB11 Virgin Blue’s international arm, V Australia, will commence direct services to Abu Dhabi, moving towards a combined total of 27 weekly services between Abu Dhabi and Australia. These services include double-daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Sydney, daily between Abu Dhabi and Melbourne, and six frequencies per week between Abu Dhabi and Brisbane.