Air New Zealand (ANZ) and Qantas Airways are entering the second phase in their bid to win regulatory approval for an equity-based tie-up, after winning in-principle approval from the New Zealand government. The government, which owns 82% of Air New Zealand, admits the alliance could reduce competition on trans-Tasman routes, but considers "a war of attrition" between the two carriers to be a too-damaging alternative. ANZ and Qantas will now seek approval from competition authorities.
Source: Flight International