IASC confirms determination allocates Hong Kong capacity to Virgin Australia

19 March, 2018

Australia's International Air Services Commission (IASC) confirmed (16-Mar-2018) a determination allocating to Virgin Australia seven frequencies per week of capacity on the Hong Kong route. The determination is valid for five years. The capacity is planned to be used to provide services jointly with Hong Kong Airlines and Virgin Atlantic. The Commission notes that there are no other applicants seeking capacity on the route and Virgin Australia is an established international carrier, and is reasonably capable of obtaining the necessary approvals and of implementing its application. To date, Virgin Australia has a total capacity allocation of seven frequencies on the Hong Kong route. Virgin Australia is required to fully utilise the capacity from no later than 28-Feb-2019. Only Virgin Australia is permitted to use the capacity, which may be used by Virgin Australia to provide codeshare service with Virgin Atlantic in accordance with the codeshare agreement between Virgin Australia and Virgin Atlantic made on 18-Dec-2017. Virgin Australia must apply to the Commission for approval of any proposed variations to its codeshare agreements with Hong Kong Airlines and/or Virgin Atlantic which would change the relevant commercial aspects of the relevant agreement(s) from a free sale codeshare arrangement to a block space, or vice versa, or if the airlines propose to add third country routes to the agreement. [more - original PR]