Virgin Blue Airlines Group (Virgin Blue Airlines, Pacific Blue Airlines and V Australia) (Brisbane) and Air New Zealand (Auckland) had their proposed trans-Tasman alliance initially denied by Australia’s antitrust regulator. The regulator was concerned this alliance would reduce competition.
Both carriers can appeal the decision and provide more information before September 24 when a final decision will be made by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
In other news, Virgin Blue is planning to introduce a new brand.
Read Richard Branson’s comments concerning these recent decisions in the Herald Sun: