SYDNEY (Dow Jones)–Australia’s competition regulator said Thursday it is likely to extend for another five years its permission for Qantas Airways Ltd. (QAN.AU) and British Airways PLC (BAY.LN) to operate joint services on some routes.

In a draft decision, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said the joint services agreement between the carriers, which has allowed the airlines to coordinate commercial flight arrangements between Australia and Europe for the past 14 years, is likely to continue to deliver lower fares and more schedule options for passengers.

Strong competition on most routes operated under the agreement means resultant cost savings are likely to be passed on to consumers with no substantial impact on competition likely, said the ACCC in a statement.
Source The well street