DOT Proposes Antitrust Immunity For U.S.-Japan Alliances

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has proposed to grant antitrust immunity to several airline alliances for services between the United States and Japan. The move would be subject to the pending Open-Skies aviation agreement between the two countries.

The DOT’s tentative decision would grant immunity to “oneworld” alliance members American Airlines and Japan Airlines, and separately to “Star Alliance” members United Airlines, Continental Airlines and All Nippon Airways.

If the decision is made final, the members of each alliance would be able to more closely coordinate international operations in transpacific markets, the DOT said.

The Department tentatively found that granting antitrust immunity to each alliance would provide passengers and cargo with a variety of benefits, including lower fares on more routes, increased services, better schedules, and reduced travel and connection times. Each proposed alliance would enhance competition, particularly in transpacific markets, the DOT said.

On Dec. 11, 2009, the United States and Japan initialed an agreement that would establish an Open-Skies aviation relationship between the two countries once it is signed.

Under the new agreement, airlines from both countries would be allowed to select routes and destinations based on consumer demand for both passenger and cargo services, without limitations on the number of U.S. or Japanese carriers that can fly between the two countries or the number of flights they can operate.

Interested parties have 21 calendar days to comment and seven business days to file answers. After this period ends, the DOT will review all filings and then issue a final decision.

Visit www.DOT.gov.