The ACCC announced today that it will not oppose the Qantas takeover of Impulse Airlines.

ACCC chairman Allan Fels says that while the acquisition will lessen competition, Qantas has agreed to the merger with certain undertakings, including conditions of access to airport space and details of pricing which are yet to be detailed.

The undertakings relate particularly to scarce take off and landing slots at Sydney Airport, terminal access and certain price undertakings.

In particular, Qantas has given assurances on access to peak slots, 7am to 9am and 5pm to 7pm, to enable new and emerging airlines to compete more effectively on trunk routes.

FlighChoice expects this will increase the pressure on Ansett and Virgin Blue to come up with an alliance together or separately, now that Qantas is such a dominate force in the domestic airline industry.

ABC News Online 18/05/01, News Interactive 18/05/01