Qantas-SAA code-share extension knocked back

The International Air Services Commission (IASC) has rejected Qantas’ request to extend a code-share arrangement with South African Airways by two years because the commission is concerned about high ticket prices and a lack of competition.


Qantas applied to extend the SAA code-share arrangement by two years to June 30, 2007 but the commission has decided to extend it only to December 18, 2005 with any further extension subject to a later review in consultation with South African regulators, according to the IASC in a statement.

The IASC said authorisation for the code-share arrangement from South Africa’s competition regulators expired on December 18.

Currently, Qantas operates four non-stop flights a week from Sydney to Johannesburg and SAA has five non-stop flights a week from Perth to Johannesburg.

The two carriers code-share on each other’s flights.

The IASC said approval to extend the code-share to December 18, 2005 would be granted on the condition that one of the carriers, preferably Qantas, put on an additional weekly flight.

QF-SAA code-share links approved

The International Air Services Commission has approved code-share arrangements between Qantas and South African Airways, with the condition that the airlines operate a minimum of 10 combined services per week from December 3.

The approval extends until December 18, 2006 subject to the increases being implemented by the required date.