United, Continental seek alliance with ANA

United, Continental seek alliance with ANA    United Airlines, Continental Airlines, and All Nippon Airways said last week that they have filed an application with the U.S. Transportation Department for antitrust immunity to enable them to create a more efficient and comprehensive transpacific network.
   The airlines said the transpacific joint venture would be the first of its kind between the United States and Asia and would allow the three carriers to compete more efficiently with other global alliances.
   If approved, the airlines plan to jointly manage their transpacific activities, including scheduling, pricing and sales, and offering customers a greater selection of routes and wider range of fares and service options.
   DOT granted antitrust immunity to United and Continental in July 2009, enabling them to coordinate schedules and fares for services outside the United States.