ANA, Continental and United aecure Japanese anti-trust immunity for trans-pacific joint venture
22-Oct-2010 ANA, one of Asia’s leading carriers, today secured Japanese regulatory clearance for its Trans-Pacific joint venture network with Continental Airlines and United Airlines after receiving Anti-Trust Immunity (ATI) from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and Tourism, in accordance with the Civil Aeronautics Act.
Japanese Government approval for the ANA-Continental-United joint venture follows tentative ATI clearance earlier this month from the United States Department of Transportation (DOT). Once final DOT approval is secured, the carriers will accelerate preparation of their joint network, with implementation expected in the first half of 2011.
As part of the joint venture, the carriers plan to combine their route networks and jointly develop flight schedules as well as sales activities. As a result, passengers traveling between Japan and the United States and/or Asia and the Americas will be able to enjoy more convenient flight schedules, with a broader range of fare and product options.
Under the new open skies agreement between Japan and the United States, the Trans-Pacific air market is expected to become even more competitive. As a leading member of the Star Alliance, ANA will further enhance its relationship with United to provide its passengers with convenient travel services.