Etihad Airways welcomes ACCC’s decision on its alliance with Virgin Australia

Etihad Airways has welcomed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) draft determination approving the reauthorisation of its commercial cooperation agreement with Virgin Australia for a further five years. This will enable Etihad Airways and Virgin Australia to continue codesharing on the Australia-Abu Dhabi route and offering reciprocal lounge and frequent flyer benefits beyond the current authorisation’s expiry date of 25 February 2016. Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, James Hogan, said: “Today’s announcement by the ACCC is great news for the partnership and for Australian travellers. “In its first five years, the partnership between Etihad Airways and Virgin