20 May 2009

BA/AA tie-up wins US support

British Airways claims its proposed transatlantic joint business with American Airlines and Iberia has won support from business and consumer groups, airport officials and politicians from across the US.

It said nearly 3,400 letters in favour of the tie-up have been sent to the US Department of Transportation (DoT) as part of its consultation.

The three airlines, along with fellow oneworld members Finnair and Royal Jordanian, have applied for anti-trust immunity from the US DoT and are seeking regulatory approval from the European Union.

British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh said: ââ¬ÅâœThis is overwhelming evidence of the broad base of support for our joint business across the US and contrasts strongly with the lone airline voice of opposition to our application.

ââ¬ÅâœWe are confident that the US DOT will grant us the approval that we need to bring benefits to customers and create a level playing field among global airline alliances.ââ¬~

The US DOT will issue its decision on the airlinesââ¬â¢ application by October 31 and it is anticipated that the European Union process will be concluded by the year end.


By Bev Fearis

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