As expected, the Australian Government has indicated today that it will not stand in the way of the A$11.1bn ($8.8bn) takeover of Qantas Airways by a consortium led by Macquarie Bank.

It is now expected to be plain sailing for the world's biggest ever airline takeover after the government registered its satisfaction that the consortium has abided by all of the conditions imposed upon it – including the the key provision that Qantas remains Australian owned and controlled.
Australia's Foreign Investment Review Board has ruled that restricting foreign ownership of Qantas to 49% is acceptable. The Airline Partners Australia consortium comprises Macquarie Bank, Allco, the Texas Pacific Group and Canada's Onex and all that now remains is for Qantas' shareholders to approve the deal.