The International Air Services Commission has approved the codeshare between Pacific Blue and Etihad Airways on trans-Tasman flights.
The carriers have been granted permission to jointly price and sell their services.
The body said it had taken into account the interim authorisation given to the alliance between Virgin Blue and Etihad by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. But it said the decision would not prejudice a final ruling from the ACCC.
“Should the ACCC decide not to continue authorisation, then IASC approval of co-ordinated pricing and marketing would be terminated, although the carriers would still be able to codeshare without such co-ordination," it said.
The carriers plan to codeshare on Pacific Blue routes from Australia to Auckland and Christchurch (Travel Today, October 6).
Meanwhile, the IASC has approved an application by Qantas for 531 seats per week on the Philippines route. Jetstar plans to begin flights between Darwin and Manila from early 2011.
