Qantas disappointed at rejection of proposed alliance

QANTAS has expressed disappointment at the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's decision to reject its proposed alliance with Air New Zealand. The airline’s ceo, Geoff Dixon, said it was particularly disappointing that the ACCC had not properly taken into account significant additional information and expert evidence that had been provided to the ACCC following its draft determination in April 2003. "There has been a stark contrast between the process followed by the New Zealand Commerce Commission and that followed by the ACCC," Dixon said. Dixon said the ACCC had not adequately considered changes in the airline industry, particularly in the region, over the past five months. Qantas is allegedly reviewing the decision to determine the appropriate response.