It only makes sense that the Department of Transportation tentatively approved the latest antitrust immunity (ATI) request. After all, the mutual ownership blend across Delta Air Lines, Air France/KLM and Virgin Atlantic lends itself to coordination of operations, marketing and pricing efforts. The DoT did hold back a tiny bit, though it is unlikely that will be sufficiently consolatory for the parties that objected to the deal.
antitrust imunity
PaxEx Update: 26 July 2019
A long-awaited joint venture takes shape and live television takes flight on another fleet. Plus more legroom on a ULCC and better aircraft tracking in India.
American Airlines, Qantas receive antitrust immunity
The US Department of Transportation issued its final approval for antitrust immunity (ATI) of the American Airlines-Qantas joint business agreement on Friday afternoon. Expect to see new routes, fares and other cooperative efforts within the next six months.
Delta, United win big in Haneda slot allocation
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines came home the big winners in the most recent allocation of coveted route authorities at Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport. The pair combined for nine of the twelve available slots, with American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines picking up the other three. The new flights should begin operation in Summer 2020.
Welcome to the 2019 Haneda Slot Lottery!
Which airlines and passengers will win the next round of Haneda slot allocations? Four carriers applied to add 19 flights for Summer 2020. Alas, only 12 slots are available.
A not-quite-Basic Economy across the Atlantic
Fares are going up across the Pond. All three major alliance JVs now offer some sort of Basic Economy for transatlantic travel. The Star Alliance A++ group launched its version this week, with sales starting 5 June 2018. No checked bag, no changes and no upgrades are the main limits, though there is more nuance in the details.