On Tuesday, Qantas Airways announced the withdrawal of their joint business extension application with China Eastern Airlines from consideration by the Australian competition regulator. This decision follows the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) stating a month ago its intent to terminate the longstanding partnership between the two airlines. The ACCC's move was based on concerns that the partnership could reduce competition and potentially lead to increased airfares.
Qantas Airways said on Tuesday the company and China Eastern Airlines have withdrawn their application to Australian competition regulator that sought to extend their joint business.
The announcement comes a month after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said it planned to end a long-surviving partnership between the two airlines over claims that it would lessen competition and provide the airlines a chance to hike airfare.
"The airlines have commenced a process to unwind the joint business over the coming weeks, which includes an end to the coordination of pricing and schedules, and the removal of joint marketing material," Qantas said in a statement.
Last week, Qantas also scrapped its A$611 million ($388.60 million) plan to buy out charter flight operator Alliance Aviation Services, after the ACCC blocked the deal.
