Inbound tourism will benefit from final authorisation of the proposed alliance between Etihad and Airberlin, the airlines have claimed, with the tie-up looking increasingly likely.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) yesterday granted draft approval to the deal, deciding it may benefit consumers.
Airberlin chief executive Hartmut Mehdorn said the new partnership would provide Australian travellers with access to a global network of 239 destinations and would also “develop the potential for growth of inbound tourism to Australia”.
Etihad boss James Hogan echoed the sentiment. “Consumers at both ends of the Australia-Germany route stand to benefit greatly from expanded commercial collaboration between Etihad Airways and Airberlin,” he said.
The alliance will see the two airlines undertake joint pricing, scheduling, and marketing of air passenger services between Germany and Australia.
Etihad also announced yesterday that Luisa Pastrello would join the airline as its new general manager for Australia and New Zealand from May 21.
Pastrello has held a number of senior positions at Qantas and American Express and completed a three-year term as advisory board member for Tourism New South Wales. She will report to regional general manager Asia Pacific South and Australasia, Lindsay White.
Meanwhile, the ACCC also yesterday gave a tentative nod to a proposed tie-up between Emirates and Flydubai which will see the carriers coordinate on passenger and cargo services between Australia and Dubai and beyond.
The competition watchdog has invited submissions from interested parties by May 24, after which it will publish its draft determination on both cases.
