In relation to the application for renewal of determination [2013] IASC 112, which allocates 900 seats of capacity in each direction on the Papua New Guinea route, Virgin Australia has also sought authorisation for the use of the capacity for the provision of code share services, on a free-sale basis, with PNG Air. It is noted that the existing determination includes a condition permitting the use of the capacity for the provision of code share services with Airlines PNG (now PNG Air), under a hard-block arrangement.

In light of the proposed change in the terms and conditions of the existing determination, the Commission invites submissions about the application.

The closing date for making a submission is 3 September 2018. If you are intending to make a submission, please inform the Executive Director of the Commission, by email at iasc@infrastructure.gov.au, of your intention to make a submission as soon as possible.

The Commission sought comments from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) concerning Virgin Australia’s application, pursuant to section 28 of the International Air Services Commission Act 1992. Section 28 provides in part that the Commission may inform itself on anything relevant to a matter before it in any way it thinks fit, receive information or submissions orally or by written statements, and consult such persons as it thinks fit in respect of a matter before it.

The ACCC letter is available here. [PDF: 356 KB]  

On 4 September 2018, the Commission issued renewal determination [2018] IASC 114 allocating to Virgin Australia 900 seats per week in each direction on the Papua New Guinea route. The capacity may be utilised for the provision of code share services between Virgin Australia and PNG Air. The determination is valid for five years from 12 September 2018.