ACCC tsar Rod Sims had already given this proposal a tentative thumbs down back in May, so the final decision should hardly come as a surprise.

Do you only read Travel Weekly for news about airline alliances? Well, consider this our latest effort to keep you subscribed.

Did you recently happen to see ACCC tsar Rod Sims popping some mail in your local AusPost box? All is explained here.

Rumour has it that INXS’ “Never Tear Us Apart” could be heard blasting from Qantas’ HQ in Mascot following this news.

It appears Alan Joyce’s tactic of kissing ACCC tsar Rod Sims’ feet worked a treat in getting this aviation alliance approved.

There’s plenty to dissect in this story, so we hope you have your scalpel handy.

The Aussie aviation player also described the acquisition as a “walk in, walk out” transaction. However, that’s not to suggest any bags of cash were handed over.

As you’ll discover here, the unprecedented uncertainty in the aviation industry has led to ACCC tsar Rod Sims tightening his grip on the competition watchdog’s microscope.

This aviation wrap is full of sales, new products and even a couple of big milestones. Call it a fruit salad, if you will.

The sound of champagne corks popping can be heard from Alan Joyce’s office following this bit of positive news about one of Qantas’ investments.

The alliance between Virgin Australia and Etihad Airways has been reauthorised for a further five years, with the two airlines promising more public benefits are to come from the deal.

Qantas’ enhanced trans-Pacific alliance with American Airlines looks set to get the go-ahead from the competition watchdog for another five years.