EK/QF cannot implement their agreement until they get the blessing from regulators. I'm certain the ACCC will look at this one very carefully, but I also expect DG-Comp in Brussels will also want to review. The NZ authorities as well might take a look at this.
This tie-up does nothing to increase competition on the Kangaroo route, and could have some serious anti-competitive effects. Consider QF/EK now compete very hard for Europe - SWPacific traffic. In the future they won't.
Schedules and frequency may improve but I don't see lower prices.
This isn't a done deal and I imagine the two will have to make some token concessions to save face for the regulators.
The lawyers will get richer, we will get poorer.
Before you ask, the BA/QF JSA has the blessing of the ACCC.
Last edited by ExXB; 19th Sep 2012 at 09:18.