Qantas Airways Limited (ASX:QAN) has been granted interim authorisation from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for its proposed alliance with Emirates.
Under the alliance, the airlines will collaborate on passenger and freight operations across their networks.
ACCC Chairman Rod Sims says the authorisation allows Qantas and Emirates to start implementing their alliance because of the long lead time required to market and sell tickets before the commencement of long haul services.
Despite the interim authorisation, the ACCC re-iterated its capability to review the decision at any time, emphasising the interim approval should not be taken as indicative of whether or not final authorisation will be granted.
Qantas reported a $244 million loss in the 2012 financial year.
