The US Transportation Department has tentatively approved the granting of antitrust immunity to enable Aer Lingus to join the transatlantic joint business between American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia and Finnair.
"Hopeful That This Tentative Approval Will Be Confirmed"
Aer Lingus said in a statement, "Aer Lingus welcomes the US Department of Transportation's tentative approval to grant antitrust immunity to enable Aer Lingus to join the transatlantic joint business between American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia and Finnair. Aer Lingus is hopeful that this tentative approval will be confirmed following the expiry of the 14 day consultation period.
"Significant Benefits"
Aer Lingus added, "The transatlantic joint business has brought significant benefits to millions of passengers since its launch in 2010. Customers have benefited from lower fares and easier journeys to more destinations with better aligned schedules and frequencies. The addition of Aer Lingus's Dublin hub and its complementary network will significantly enhance customers' travel options and add new European destinations not currently served by any other transatlantic joint business. Aer Lingus' customers will also obtain access to more than 200 new US destinations via American's network."
Original story by Reuters, updated and edited for Hospitality Ireland by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
