The proposed codeshare between Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines has been given the all clear from Competition Commission Singapore, meaning the accord is now subject only to sign-off from New Zealand's transport minister.
The commission found that any regulatory concerns were outweighed by the economic benefit, Air New Zealand said in a statement. The deal between the two state controlled airlines could start as soon as December once New Zealand transport minister Gerry Brownlee gives approval.
The Auckland-based airline and the Asian carrier plan to boost capacity between New Zealand and Singapore by 30 percent with the tie-up, which will see Air New Zealand return to the Asian city state for the first time since 2006, Air NZ said. The airline will take over five flights currently operated by Singapore Airlines, which will maintain its daily Singapore-Christchurch service as part of the deal.
Last month Jetstar, the discount unit of Australian airline Qantas Airways, announced it was abandoning the Auckland-Singapore route after trimming flights to three times a week 18 months ago amid falling demand.
Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines are both major shareholders in Australia's Virgin Airlines, along with fellow Air NZ partner Etihad Airways.
