ACCC grants interim approval to Virgin and Skywest's corporate alliance

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced it has granted interim authorisation for a proposed corporate alliance between Virgin and Skywest.

Under the corporate alliance, the airlines propose to offer bundled air passenger transport services to corporate customers seeking an integrated suite of charter, domestic and international services.

"In granting interim authorisation, the ACCC has taken into account that this is unlikely to result in permanent changes to the relevant markets," ACCC chairman Rod Sims said.

"It will only affect corporate customers who have the option not to acquire the integrated air services package from Virgin and Skywest if they do not consider there is any benefit to them," Mr Sims said.

The ACCC considered it reasonable for the applicants to begin marketing the corporate alliance and have the opportunity to deliver the claimed public benefits.

Interim authorisation commences immediately, and will remain in place until the date that the ACCC's final determination comes into effect or is revoked.