TEXT-S&P: Qantas ratings unaffected by Emirates partnership

Dec 20 - Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said today that its 'BBB-/Stable/A-3' issuer credit rating on Qantas Airways Ltd. is unaffected by the regulator's draft determination authorizing Qantas and Emirates Airlines (not rated) to coordinate their operations for an initial period of five years. While the final decision is not expected until March 2013, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has indicated its overall satisfaction that the public benefit from the airlines' par