ACCC Grants Interim Approval for Qantas and American Tie-Up
Australian regulators granted interim approval for Qantas and American Airlines to continue trans-Pacific cooperation. A final decision is expected in June.
The competition regulator in Australia has granted interim authorization to Qantas Airways Ltd and American Airlines Group Inc to continue their cooperation on trans-Pacific routes. This decision enables the carriers to maintain their joint network connecting the Australian market and New Zealand with the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced the interim measure on Wednesday, following an application submitted by the airlines on November 24, 2025. The companies are seeking to extend their joint business agreement for a five-year period, allowing for coordination on fares, flight schedules, and inventory management.
While the interim approval allows the partnership to proceed for now, the ACCC is expected to issue a final determination in June 2026.
