British Airways promises more competition
Oneworld carriers British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia are promising fiercer competition across the Atlantic after getting the go-ahead from the United States to operate joint services.
Just a week after the European Commission approved the three airlines’ joint business agreement, the US Department of Transportation has granted them anti-trust immunity, which means they are free to collaborate on fares, schedules and frequent flyer programmes.
In a joint statement, the carriers said: "This now frees oneworld to compete on a level playing field with the other global alliances – enabling oneworld’s carriers to implement their plans to strengthen competition across the Atlantic with easier, more seamless and more convenient travel opportunities to more destinations with better connections, improved flight schedules, and enhanced frequent flyer benefits."
British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia plan to launch their transatlantic joint business this autumn, co-operating on flights between Europe, the US, Canada and Mexico.
They say they will ‘provide more frequent and convenient schedules than any of the three carriers could offer on their own’.
"By working together, the airlines will expand customer choice by supporting routes that would not be economically viable for any of them individually," said a oneworld spokesman.
"Customers will also benefit from greater access to discounted fares and expanded opportunities to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles and elite tier benefits on flights."
British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh added: “This final approval is fantastic news for all three airlines and the oneworld alliance. We’ve waited 14 years to bring the benefits of the transatlantic joint business to our customers and level the playing field with the other two global alliances.
Last week, the European Commission also approved the British Airways merger with Iberia, which the two airlines are aiming to complete by the end of this year.
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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