JAL and AA Pursue Anti-trust Immunity

Japan Airlines has submitted an antitrust Immunity application to Japan's transport ministry, to co-operate more closely with American Airlines on routes between North America and Asia.

Both carriers filed a similar application with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) on February 12.

Japan Airlines' President and CEO, Masaru Onishi, said: "With the immunity, we can greatly enhance competition in this region of growth, including at Haneda Airport, which will soon commence scheduled international flights."

JAL's official press statement says that passengers will benefit from a more comprehensive network, expanded flight options, access to more fare levels and enhanced services while continuing to enjoy reciprocal frequent flyer accrual and redemption benefits and access to both airlines' lounges.

JAL and AA will also be able to improve their efficiencies, lower operating costs, and robustly heighten competition in the trans-Pacific aviation market.