Australia. Guide to Australia

The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission has approved a partnership agreement between the national carrier United Arab Emirates Etihad Airways and Virgin Blue Aviation Holding, which has increased the number of flights from Moscow to Sydney – four to seven times a week.

An integrated route network has been established within the Etihad Airways and Virgin Blue alliance, consisting of more than 100 linking Australia and Europe, Ближний Восток, Asia and North America.

Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, James Hogan said: "We are very pleased with the positive decision of the Australian Commission and are confident, that the alliance with Virgin Blue will promote healthy competition and create additional benefits for our passengers. Through collaboration with Virgin Blue, Etihad has the opportunity to offer its guests 45 new destinations across Australia, Nsw and the Pacific Islands".

From February 2011 Virgin Blue V Australia launches Sydney-Abu Dhabi service. Thus, the number of flights between Abu Dhabi and Australian cities will reach 27 per week, Abu Dhabi daily flights – Melbourne, Abu Dhabi-Brisbane flights six times a week and Abu Dhabi-Sydney 2 once a day, that will provide guests, departing from Moscow, Daily docking with Abu Dhabi flight – Sydney.