Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has welcomed today’s announcement by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) granting authorisation for an alliance between Etihad and the Virgin Blue Group of Airlines for five years.

The authorisation gives a green light for the airlines to cooperate on joint pricing and scheduling of services across their respective networks. This means that Etihad Airways and the Virgin Blue Group will offer their customers a new combined global network of more than 100 destinations worldwide.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, said: "Today’s announcement by the ACCC to grant authorisation of Etihad’s alliance with the Virgin Blue Group for a period of five years is fantastic news for both airlines and for our customers, and is a positive step towards growing our already strong position in the Australian market.

"The alliance will contribute to growing Etihad’s share of the Australian corporate and leisure markets and increase our appeal as the airline of choice for travellers to Australia and the South Pacific from the Middle East, Europe and UK.

"This is just the beginning. We hope to expand the partnership over time, providing greater benefits to travellers by growing competition and opening new routes."

The alliance means that from 24 February 2011 Virgin Blue’s international arm, V Australia, will commence direct services to Abu Dhabi, moving towards a combined total of 27 weekly services between Abu Dhabi and Australia.

These services include double-daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Sydney, daily between Abu Dhabi and Melbourne, and six frequencies per week between Abu Dhabi and Brisbane.

The partnership will open up 45 new destinations in Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and the west coast of America. Etihad’s customers will now be able to fly from Etihad’s home-base in Abu Dhabi to Australia and connect seamlessly to Virgin Blue destinations in the Australia-Pacific region. Customers will also be able to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles for any Etihad or Virgin Blue flight, along with reciprocal service benefits and lounge access for top tier members of both programs.
 

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