Continental and United to win US antitrust immunity

CONTINENTAL and United Airlines have won tentative approval for antitrust immunity from the US Department of Transportation, allowing them to join Star Alliance carriers.

Continental's entrance into Star Alliance will provide substantial benefits for consumers worldwide while preserving domestic competition and jobs, said Continental chairman and CEO Larry Kellner.

The tentative DOT decision also included United's and Continental's application to form a transatlantic alliance with Lufthansa and Air Canada.

Said United chairman and CEO Glenn Tilton: The DOT's decision will enable United, Continental and the other Star Alliance members to offer greater choice, lower fares and improved access to more of the world. Approval will also enable carriers to establish more comprehensive networks, helping to level the competitive playing field.

In addition to Continental and United, the eight Star Alliance members receiving tentative DOT approval for antitrust immunity include Air Canada, Austrian, bmi, Lufthansa, LOT Polish Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), SWISS and TAP Air Portugal.

Continental is the world's fifth largest airline. Together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, it has more than 2,800 daily departures in the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 135 domestic and 132 international destinations.

United operates 3,000 flights daily through United and United Express to more than 200 US and international destinations.

Source: Schednet