United Continental Holdings applauds signing of U.S.-Japan open skies agreement
25-Oct-2010 United Continental Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UAL) today issued the following statement, after the signing of an historic open skies agreement between the United States and Japan:
"We thank U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, Minister Sumio Mabuchi of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and Tourism, and the members of their negotiating teams for their hard work in making this agreement possible."
"The open skies agreement will fully liberalize this important aviation market, allowing for new air services between the two countries and enabling consumers to benefit from greater choices and competition.
"With this critical milestone reached, we look forward to receiving final approval from the U.S. Dept. of Transportation granting antitrust immunity to United, Continental and our partner ANA to implement our trans-Pacific joint venture. Early in 2011, we expect to be able to coordinate our planning and marketing activities, offering customers improved schedules and greater access to fare and service options.
"We thank U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, Minister Sumio Mabuchi of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and Tourism, and the members of their negotiating teams for their hard work in making this agreement possible."