ACCC grants authorisation to Virgin Australia’s mainland China and Hong Kong airline alliance

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has granted authorisation to coordinate airline services for five years to Virgin Australia Airlines, the HNA Aviation Group, Hong Kong Airlines and Hong Kong Express Airways. The Alliance Framework Agreement may see additional airline services operate between Australia and mainland China, and Australia and Hong Kong. “The ACCC considers the alliance will likely realise significant public benefits, primarily through supporting the introduction of new services between Australia and mainland China and Hong Kong including by Virgin,” ACCC Commissioner Roger Featherston said. Since the ACCC granted interim authorisation in March, Virgin has commenced services between