The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has authorised Virgin Australia to coordinate airline services for five years with the HNA Aviation Group, Hong Kong Airlines and Hong Kong Express Airways.
“The Alliance Framework Agreement may see additional airline services operate between Australia and mainland China, and Australia and Hong Kong,” the ACCC stated.
“The ACCC considers the alliance will likely realise significant public benefits, primarily through supporting the introduction of new services between Australia and mainland China and Hong Kong including by Virgin,” ACCC Commissioner Roger Featherston said.
Virgin has already started five times weekly services between Melbourne and Hong Kong under an interim ACCC authorisation.
The Australian carrier and Hong Kong Airlines share codes to 11 destinations across their flight network and have an interline agreement to 10 mainland China destinations. AirineRating.com notes also that there’s some reciprocity between the Velocity and Fortune Wings Club frequent flyer programs.
Virgin Australia plans to launch services between Australia and mainland China using A330 aircraft. Beijing or Shanghai are considered potential destinations.
The airlines will coordinate their international passenger transport services such as code-sharing, frequent flyer program participation, lounge access, route planning, and scheduling.
Full report GTM
