Australian competition authority gives interim approval for Emirates and flydubai cooperation

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) granted interim authorisation for a proposed affiliation agreement between Emirates and the Dubai Aviation Corporation, trading as flydubai. Emirates and flydubai have applied for authorisation which provides statutory protection from court action for conduct that might otherwise raise concerns under competition provisions of Australian competition regulations. Interim authorisation commences immediately, and will remain in place until the ACCC's final determination comes into effect or is revoked. Under the affiliation agreement, the airlines will coordinate operations on international air passenger transportation services and air cargo transportation services between Australia and Dubai and on 'behind and beyond' Emirates and flydubai services.