DOT gives final approval for oneworld antitrust immunity

[NM]

From ATW Daily News:

The US Dept. of Transportation yesterday issued its final clearance of antitrust immunity for American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, Finnair and Royal Jordanian to "more closely coordinate international services" including a planned AA/BA/IB joint venture on transatlantic flights.

 

[Keith009]

About time!

 

[anat0l]

May I be so naive as to ask: what does this mean for oneworld?

According to the reports, Star and Skyteam have been doing what-not for a while now that has taken oneworld ages to jump through hoops?

 

[notzac]

While I'm no expert on the matter -- it allows AA and BA (possibly IB as well?) to officially co-ordinate schedules and fares. Upside is probably better connections from major ports to other destinations, downside is possibly lower frequencies and probably higher fares.

It may also mean that there are opportunities to fly on an AA code on BA metal (better QF points earn rate on the cheaper whY fares)