American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia Joint Business

American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia Joint Business

American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia Joint Business Overview

American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia have applied to the U.S. and EU authorities for permission to cooperate more closely on transatlantic flights through the creation of a joint business agreement.

Approval would allow the three carriers, all oneworld® alliance members, to offer customers greater access to discounted fares, more convenient connections and better access to a global network of more than 400 destinations.

To pave the way for these plans, American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia Airlines, along with fellow oneworld members Finnair and Royal Jordanian, are seeking U.S. Department of Transportation approval for antitrust immunity.

This will allow oneworld to compete more effectively with rival global air alliances SkyTeam and Star, which have already received antitrust immunity and have the largest transatlantic booking share, and other airlines that are growing stronger through consolidation. oneworld simply seeks the same immunity that Star and SkyTeam alliances have received, which will improve global alliance competition.

Through their joint business agreement, the participating oneworld airlines plan to work closely together to enhance travel on flights between North America and Europe, with plans to expand their global cooperation. And this relationship will extend further than simply providing new destinations.

For consumers, the agreement not only means more and better travel options but also more opportunities to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles and more convenient access to the airlines’ combined airport lounges.

With antitrust immunity, American, British Airways and Iberia will be able to align their networks for North America-Europe travel by coordinating schedules, fares and operations, while sharing revenues and jointly marketing our frequent flyer programs, lounges and other services, offering customers seamless travel and enhanced rewards.

By working together the airlines will be better positioned to overcome the many challenges that the industry faces and to compete and adapt to the constantly changing aviation marketplace, creating better outcomes for customers and communities, employees and shareholders. Yet the individual airlines will continue to operate as separate entities with separate fleets, employees and brands.

https://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/amrcorp/newsroom/aa-british-airways-and-iberia-joint-agreement.jsp

Read more here..

http://www.moretravelchoices.com/

Im not sure if this is “new” news, but i had not heard of it recently..

Rick