Virgin Blue and Air New Zealand say leisure and corporate travellers will enjoy cheaper fares, more flights/routes and easier connections if their proposed trans-Tasman alliance is approved by the ACCC and NZ Transport Ministry.
This is the second time Air New Zealand has tried to partner with an Australian carrier – its proposed deal with Qantas in 2003 was shot down by the ACCC as anti-competitive.
Air New Zealand and Virgin will offer the same fares, check-in processes and on-board product and entertainment, with corporate travellers able to use both airline lounges and enjoy reciprocal loyalty scheme rewards.
Virgin and Air New Zealand describe the deal as “pro-competitive” against the Qantas-Jetstar offering. A decision on their application is expected within six months.