The US Department of Transportation has issued a final order granting anti-trust immunity to United Airlines, Continental Airlines and All Nippon Airways which will allow the three carriers to ink the deal on a Trans-Pacific joint venture.
The deal will mean the airlines can develop joint flight schedules and sales drives allowing passengers flying between the Americas and Asia to experience more convenient connections and flight times. There will also be a greater variety of product and fare choices.
President and CEO of United Continental Holdings Jeff Smisek said: ”Today’s final approval by DOT enables us to begin working toward a more convenient, more seamless experience for travelers on both sides of the Pacific. We thank the DOT for their thoughtful review.”
President and CEO of ANA Shinichiro Ito said: “ANA would like to express its appreciation to the U.S. Department of Transportation for this final order, which recognizes the positive benefits from our joint application. The clearance enables us to begin the preparatory work necessary to launch our joint venture next Spring, and to co-operate more closely with United and Continental for the benefit of customers.”
by Dinah Hatch
