American Airways and British Airways have renewed their attempt to gain US antitrust immunity for their alliance by filing for clearance of the deal with the US, UK and European Commission. The airlines formed their alliance in 1996 but walked away from the clearance process after the USA tied the deal to "open skies" negotiations and the EC requested the relinquishment of nearly 300 slots at Heathrow and Gatwick. The Oneworld alliance partners say changes have since taken place in the transatlantic marketplace and agreement would set the stage for a UK-US open skies agreement. Approval would bring the airlines in line with other competing transatlantic alliances.
Source: Flight International
