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All Nippon Airways, Continental, and United Apply to U.S. DOT for Approval of Antitrust Immunity & Trans-Pacific Joint Venture
| Source: All Nippon Airways
TOKYO and HOUSTON, TX and CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - December 24, 2009) - All Nippon Airways,
Continental Airlines (NYSE : CAL ), and United Airlines (NASDAQ : UAUA ) today
filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation for
antitrust immunity to enable the three carriers to create a more efficient
and comprehensive trans-Pacific network, generating substantial service and
pricing benefits for consumers.
The trans-Pacific joint venture -- the first of its kind between the U.S.
and Asia -- also would enable ANA, Continental, and United to compete more
effectively with other global alliances, each of which has a significant
presence in Tokyo.
Upon DOT approval of the companies' immunity application, ANA, Continental,
and United will be able to jointly manage trans-Pacific activities
including scheduling, pricing and sales, offering customers a greater
selection of routings and a wider range of fare and service options.
"By making this closer cooperation between our partner airlines, we will be
able to strengthen our trans-Pacific network and improve our services,"
said Shinichiro Ito, President and CEO of ANA. "We are looking forward for
our application to be approved, which will create greater convenience for
our valued customers," he added.
"Our network of service to nine Japanese cities will be enhanced by giving
our customers more options for using our flights in conjunction with United
and ANA for trips both within the region as well as on trans-Pacific
routes," said Larry Kellner, Continental's chairman and chief executive
officer.
"This joint venture, coupled with the recently announced open skies
agreement between the U.S. and Japan, will significantly enhance our
ability to serve customers in Japan and throughout Asia and offer new
choice and convenience for customers," said Glenn Tilton, United's chairman
and chief executive officer.
The Department of Transportation granted antitrust immunity to United and
Continental in July 2009, enabling the two carriers to coordinate schedules
and fares for services outside the United States.
To view the full text of this press release go to http://www.ana.co.jp/ir/