American Airlines sees opportunities from Japan-US open skies agreement

American Airlines applauded (09-Dec-2009) Japanese and US negotiators for their progress in developing an open skies agreement, with the airline urging both countries to reach a final accord this week. According to American, open skies would pave the way for Japanese and US airlines to enter into joint ventures and seek antitrust immunity. [more]

American Airlines: "Open skies agreements end discriminatory aviation policies and are in the best interest of Japanese and American consumers and airlines alike. Airlines with antiquated, anti-competitive policy viewpoints might believe that it's OK to leave well enough alone. At American Airlines, it is our experience that Open Skies agreements have proven to increase travel choices and enhance competition, which results in greater benefits to consumers," Will Ris, Senior VP Government Affairs. Source: Company Statement, 09-Dec-2009.

American Airlines: "American Airlines is looking for opportunities to expand our services to and through Japan, which underscores the importance of JAL's role to be oneworld's gateway to Asia through Tokyo. A joint venture with JAL, with whom we've had a 15-year relationship, would allow us to do that. Additionally, we strongly believe that an American Airlines-Japan Airlines joint venture would easily win US government antitrust immunity, which will help ensure JAL's short- and long-term success," Theo Panagiotoulias, VP Asia and Pacific. Source: Company Statement, 09-Dec-2009.