NZL authorities ok NZ/DJ

The New Zealand authorities have joined the ACCC in paving the way for the Air New Zealand - Virgin Blue group trans-tasman tie up, signing off on monday.

Air New Zealand and Virgin can start thrashing out the finer details of their new trans-Tasman alliance, after the deal cleared its final regulatory hurdle.
Transport Minister Steven Joyce gave the alliance the green light yesterday, saying co-operation, coupled with conditions placed on the airlines, would benefit passengers through more travel options, an improved range of departure times and continued competitive fares.

Its expected the new fares/routes/codeshared flights wll be abvailable in 6-7 months but on sale in around 4.

Stuff.co.nz Air NZ clears final hurdle in alliance with Virgin by Hamish Rutherford