The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has granted interim authorization, subject to a condition, for the proposed alliance between Qantas Airways Limited and Emirates Airline. Under the alliance, the two airlines will cooperate on passenger and freight operations across their networks. The applicants plan to undertake certain preliminary steps to prepare for the proposed implementation of the alliance in April 2013.

This work relates to joint sales and pricing strategy, joint marketing, system integration and testing, customer handling, and scheduling and capacity coordination. Under interim authorization, the applicants will be able to commence activities that will enhance the product and service offerings to Qantas and Emirates customers. In making its decision, the ACCC has accepted written assurances from the parties that should the ACCC ultimately decide not to allow the alliance to go ahead, the airlines will accommodate consumers' bookings.