Virgin Australia

Following PNG Air’s codeshare launch on Virgin Australia flights between Port Moresby and Brisbane, PNG Air are now ready to commence the second stage enabling their passengers to travel onward to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, in addition to Brisbane.

After comments received from stakeholders and submissions from the parties, the ICCC assessed the application and is satisfied that the code-share services, if authorised, would generate more benefits to the public, which are likely to outweigh any detriments, including any lessening of competition.

Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer Paulus Ain, whilst acknowledging that free sale code-share arrangement is not very competitive, said the arrangement will allow a new marketing carrier to enter the market.

The illegal broadcasts were made over several weeks at Melbourne's main Tullamarine and Avalon airports, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said.

Local media reported a portable radio may have been used to interfere with air traffic control.

The incidents did not pose a continuing threat to safety, the AFP said.

ABC News reported that a Virgin Australia plane changed altitude before aborting its landing after receiving instructions from a mystery person on 27 October.