Qantas and JAL express disappointment at ACCC decision to block JV

Qantas Airways and Japan Airlines (JAL) expressed (13-Sep-2021) disappointment at the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) decision to block the airlines' plans to form a joint business that would have boosted the recovery of tourism when international borders reopen. Qantas and JAL will continue their existing codeshare and oneworld partnership. Qantas Domestic and International CEO Andrew David stated: "This is particularly unfortunate for Queensland and Cairns, which would have benefitted from a direct Qantas route to Tokyo that would have seen a lot of travellers wanting a premium experience. Without being able to coordinate with JAL… the planned flights between Cairns and Tokyo are just not commercially viable for Qantas". [more - original PR]