New Zealand Ministry of Transport approves NZ/SQ alliance.
The planned joint venture between Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines has just been approved by the New Zealand Ministry of Transport for a period of four years.
Under the alliance, Air NZ and SQ will be able to coorodinate their operations (revenue sharing, codesharing, capacity and pricing) between New Zealand and Singapore, and on certain routes beyond both countries.
The Ministry of Transport’s decision follows a green light from the Singapore Competition Commission in Apr.
Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee said “Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines have committed to offering 30% more seats every week between Auckland and Singapore. This will more than compensate for capacity lost when Jetstar withdrew from the route, and ensure the availability of low fares.”
Air New Zealand has pledged to recommence services between Auckland and Singapore, and Singapore Airlines has said it will launch Airbus A380 services between the city pairs.
Air NZ ceo Christopher Luxon said final approval for the alliance “will enable us to grow our network with operations between Auckland and Singapore in the very near future.”
The Ministry of Transport indicates the airlines plan to commence alliance operations from 01 Dec.
More details in tomorrow’s issue of Travel Daily.