Air New Zealand gives notice of termination.
Virgin Australia has just confirmed receipt of notice from Air New Zealand that NZ intends to end the airlines’ long-running strategic alliance, which has seen the carriers coordinate operations across the Tasman since 2010.
The current ACCC authorisation for the alliance expires in 2018, with VA ceo John Borghetti saying the move “provides opportunities for the Virgin Australia Group on the Tasman, including both the Virgin Australia and Tigerair Australia brands in the market”.
He said VA would continue its strong focus on “providing competition and outstanding service on the Tasman, which remains an important part of our network and strategy as an airline group”.
He said there would be no immediate changes to Virgin Australia trans-Tasman travel bookings, with VA and NZ to work through arrangements regarding codesharing, scheduling, inflight offering, lounge access and frequent flyer program reciprocity to ensure minimal disruption to customers.
More details in tomorrow’s issue of Travel Daily.