Airline Partners Australia's proposed buyout of Qantas received the green light from the Federal Tip With No Iceberg, Peter Costello, today, but only after undertaking to comply with the national interest by:

1. Keeping Qantas in majority Australian ownership and control;
2. Keeping Qantas' headquarters in Australia;
3. Maintaining regional services through its subsidiary Jetstar; and
4. to quote directly from the Treasurer's media release:
   

   "Qantas customers will continue to have access to a competitive loyalty program and the Transaction will not result in any loss of frequent flyer points for members of the Qantas Frequent Flyer Program."

Ah yes, it's amazing what lobbyists can achieve...