US DOT OK's Trans-Pacific Joint Venture

The U.S. DOT issued a final order Wednesday granting anti-trust immunity to United Airlines, Continental Airlines and ANA, enabling the three carriers to execute a trans-Pacific joint venture under which they intend to jointly develop flight schedules and sales activities.

The airlines say the move means those traveling between the Americas and Asia will find more convenient flight schedules, with a broader range of fare and product options, once the joint venture is implemented.

Jeff Smisek, president and CEO of United Continental Holdings, 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.”

Shinichiro Ito, president and CEO of ANA, 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.”

FMI: www.dot.gov