Aer Lingus Oneworld Application approved for Antitrust Immunity

The US Department of Transportation has tentatively approved and granted antitrust immunity for the proposed addition of Aer Lingus to the existing Oneworld alliance. The carriers request antitrust immunity to include Aer Lingus in the existing joint venture including American Airlines, British Airways, OpenSkies, Iberia, and Finnair. Aer Lingus will be integrated into the joint venture’s network planning, pricing, and sales activities. With Aer Lingus’ addition, over time the carriers are expected to expand capacity on some existing routes while introducing services on several new routes, allowing more options for travel to and from Ireland and the rest of Europe.