MEDIA RELEASE
3 November 2006
ACCC CODE-SHARE DECISION: WELLINGTON AIRPORT APPEALS FOR EQUAL CONSIDERATION OF NEW ZEALANDERS’ INTERESTS
Today’s decision by the ACCC to reject Qantas’s and Air New Zealand’s proposal for a Tasman code-share demonstrates just
how the “cartel” would harm competition and consumers.
The Australian independent regulator has found through a thorough examination of proposals put forward by the airlines
that such an arrangement would be detrimental to Australian Tasman travellers.
Wellington Airport is hopeful that the New Zealand Ministry of Transport applies the same sort of independent and expert
scrutiny in its examination of the airlines’ proposal.
“It is imperative that the New Zealand Government equally protects its citizens by putting their welfare above that of
the commercial interests of the two airlines,” said Simon Draper, CEO.
The impact on competition and consumers would be greater in New Zealand, especially in Wellington. This has been made
clear by independent expert economic submissions.
“There is no reason why the Government should not decline the Tasman code-share application and end this matter once and
for all,” concluded Simon Draper.
ENDS
Issued by: Wellington International Airport Limited