Loading
22-Oct-2010 1:48 PM

JAL, American Airlines granted antitrust immunity by Japan

Japan Airlines welcomed (22-Oct-2010) approval from the MLITT for antitrust immunity with American Airlines to cooperate on Trans-Pacific routes. The application, which was submitted in Jun-2010, comes after the US Department of Transportation issued an order tentatively approving the application, filed by both airlines at the beginning of the year. Following the impending formal signing of an open skies agreement between the US and Japan and upon obtaining the final DoT order, JAL and American will enter into a joint business agreement as two independent legal entities, enabling them to cooperate commercially on routes between North America and Asia. [more]

Japan Airlines: "We are grateful to the Ministry for approving our application for ATI, and we deeply appreciate the efforts and considerations of all the individuals who have played a part in arriving at today's decision. There has been and will be more developments in the Japanese aviation sector and we are intent on keeping the marketplace competitive so that customers can benefit from more travel options and enhanced services. I am also committed to the speedy recovery of the JAL Group and am confident that the joint business with American will contribute to the growth and stability of both our businesses in a volatile yet indispensable industry. I look forward to taking our partnership with American Airlines to a deeper level so that we can more effectively serve the needs of our valuable customers," Masaru Onishi, President. Source: Company Statement, 22-Oct-2010.

American Airlines: "This is another step in the process and an important one. Today the government of Japan joined the government of the United States in recognising that a joint venture between JAL and American will greatly benefit the travelling public, the employees and investors of two great airlines, and the citizens of both Japan and the United States. It is a win-win situation for all involved and we thank the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism for its favourable review," Gerard Arpey, Chairman and CEO. Source: Company Statement, 22-Oct-2010.

Want More News Like This?

CAPA Membership provides access to all news and analysis on the site, along with access to many areas of our comprehensive databases and toolsets.
Find Out More