SkyTeam seeks immunity
SkyTeam is seeking to merge two joint ventures among its members. Under a request for antitrust immunity made to the US Transportation Department at the end of June, the Air France-KLM joint venture would join with a joint venture of Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines. Northwest and KLM have operated a closely integrated joint venture for years, while Delta already has antitrust immunity with Air France. The expanded immunity would allow the carriers to co-ordinate fares and schedules, creating "a comprehensive and integrated partnership" in the North Atlantic market. US regulators rejected a similar request in 2005 but the alliance claims the new Europe/US Open Skies regime changes the competitive environment.
Three new partners for Gol
Brazilian low-cost carrier Gol has signed interline deals with Continental, Delta Air Lines and Aerolineas Argentinas. Under these deals, which are unusual between low-cost and legacy carriers because of computer interface issues, Continental and Delta can issue tickets covering Gol's flights as well as their own for connecting passengers. Gol still lacks this option as it cannot issue tickets on Continental or Delta.
EC/US team up on emissions
The US FAA and the European Commission have formed a partnership aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions on transatlantic flights through co-operation on air traffic management measures. The Atlantic Interoperability Initiative to Reduce Emissions (AIRE) will focus on interaction between the USA's Next Generation Air Transport System (NGATS) and the EU's Single European Sky initiative.
AirAsia selects OnAir
AirAsia has signed up as the Asian launch customer for the OnAir in-flight mobile telephone service. The Malaysian low-cost carrier unveiled plans in June to equip its entire Airbus A320 fleet for the service from early 2009. Ryanair last year agreed to equip its Boeing 737 fleet with OnAir technology, which is currently being trialled in Europe by Air France, bmi and TAP Portugal.
Source: Airline Business
