Qantas, American Airlines get interim Australia nod for trans-Pacific tie-up

April 1 (Reuters) - Australia's competition regulator said on Wednesday it has granted interim authorisation to Qantas QAN.AX and American Airlines AAL.O to continue cooperating on trans-Pacific routes linking Australia and New Zealand with U.S., Canada and Mexico.

The airlines applied to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on November 24, 2025, seeking approval to extend their joint business and coordinate operations across the routes, the regulator said.

Under the agreement, the carriers have agreed to coordinate on fares, schedules, inventory and other related arrangements, and have sought authorisation for a five-year period.

The ACCC said it expects to provide a final determination in June.