Japan Airlines (JAL) plans to apply for anti-trust immunity with an American airline after Japan and the USA successfully concluded open skies talks.
"JAL intends to apply for anti-trust immunity with a strategic US partner as soon as possible, so as to seize this opportunity to strengthen our network and bring added benefits to our valued customers," says the airline.
The two countries agreed on an open skies pact on 12 December, liberalising air travel between the two countries and allowing airlines to apply for anti-trust immunity transpacific routes.
JAL could apply for anti-trust immunity with fellow Oneworld airline American Airlines, or with SkyTeam carrier Delta Air Lines if it decides to switch alliances.
Delta and other SkyTeam members have offered struggling JAL a $1 billion financing package to persuade it to defect from Oneworld.
American and its partner TPG subsequently counter-offered with a $1.1 billion package.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
