US OKs American's "Oneworld Alliance"

apan Airlines aircrafts are parked as an aircraft belongs to the Oneworld alliance is seen between them on the tarmac of Haneda International airport in Tokyo, Japan, 12 January 2010. Photo by EPA/BGNES

American Airlines said Saturday that the US Department of Transportation has granted tentative approval for its proposed trans-Atlantic travel alliance with several carriers.

American said it requested antitrust immunity from US regulators for the alliance, called "oneworld," which includes British Airways, Iberia Airlines, Finnair and Royal Jordanian.

The DOT also gave an initial green light to American's proposed joint venture with British Airways and Iberia Airlines for flights between North America and Europe, American said.

American said that Oneworld is aimed at competing with two other international airline alliances, Star and SkyTeam, both of which the company said already enjoy US antitrust immunity.

On Friday, American asked the DOT for antitrust immunity regarding a joint business with Japan Airlines for flights between North America and Asia.

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