ANA, Continental and United secure Japanese antitrust immunity

ANA secured (22-Oct-2010) Japanese regulatory clearance for its trans-Pacific joint venture network with Continental Airlines and United Airlines after receiving antitrust immunity from the MLITT in accordance with the Civil Aeronautics Act. Japanese Government approval for the ANA-Continental-United JV follows tentative ATI clearance earlier this month from the US Department of Transportation (DoT). Once final DoT approval is secured, the carriers will accelerate preparation of their joint network, with implementation expected in the 1H2011. As part of the JV, the carriers plan to combine their route networks and jointly develop flight schedules as well as sales activities. Under the new open skies agreement between Japan and the US, the trans-Pacific air market is expected to become even more competitive. As a leading member of the Star Alliance, ANA will further enhance its relationship with United to provide its passengers with convenient travel services. [more - ANA] [more - ANA 2]