DoT grants tentative antitrust immunity approval to United, Continental and ANA

US Department of Transportation (DoT) proposed (06-Oct-2010) antitrust immunity for United Airlines, Continental Airlines and All Nippon Airways, that would enable them to expand their alliance relationship, resulting in enhanced competition, increased fare options and improved schedules and service in trans-Pacific markets. Upon final approval of antitrust immunity, contingent on the signing of an open skies agreement between the US and Japan, United and Continental intend to establish with ANA a first-of-its-kind trans-Pacific joint venture, managing scheduling, pricing and sales and offering customers a greater selection of routings and a wider range of fare and service options. DoT also granted tentative antitrust immunity for Japan Airlines and American Airlines, both members of the oneworld alliance, having consolidated the two requests into a single proceeding in Mar-2010. DoT found the carriers' cooperation in two separate alliances would improve competition, lower fares and increase schedule options, according to an agency statement. [more]