Singapore Airlines keen on CCS nod of Virgin Australia alliance

SIA and Virgin Australia sought approval to co-operate across a broad range of commercial functions.

Singapore Airlines Thursday welcomed the Competition Commission of Singapore’s (CCS) approval of its proposed alliance with Virgin Australia.

The CCS decision represents another step towards the two airlines being able to implement a deep and integrated alliance connecting Singapore Airlines' global network with Virgin Australia's wide range of Australian and Pacific destinations, according to a SIA report.

Singapore Airlines’ Executive Vice President Commercial Mr Mak Swee Wah said: "We welcome the Competition Commission of Singapore’s approval and look forward to soon being able to offer customers the full benefits of our landmark alliance. In addition to codesharing on each other’s flights, the alliance will offer our customers seamless connections, convenient flight schedules, access to more airport lounges and greater opportunities to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles."

Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia lodged an application with the relevant regulatory authorities in Singapore and Australia in June seeking approval to co-operate across a broad range of commercial functions. On 13 October the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced draft approval of the proposed alliance. The ACCC is now seeking further submissions before making its final decision CCS’ approval of the proposed alliance can be found under the Public Register section of the Commission’s website.