DOT ?TENTATIVELY? APPROVES IMMUNITY FOR BA-AA, UNITED BMI ALLIANCE

DOT ôTENTATIVELYö APPROVES IMMUNITY FOR BA-AA, UNITED BMI ALLIANCE    The U.S. Transportation Department has “tentatively” approved antitrust immunity for the American Airlines and British Airways, and United Airlines and BMI alliances.
   “Final approval of antitrust immunity, which depends on several conditions yet to be met, will greatly enhance competition in the nation’s largest overseas market by allowing four new U.S. carriers to enter the London Heathrow market,” the DOT said.
   The other U.S. airlines to benefit from the deal are Continental, Delta, Northwest and US Airways.
   DOT said the tentative approval of antitrust immunity is largely in line with Justice Department recommendations.
   Conditions to be met include the divestiture by American and British Airways of 224 take-off and landing slots for flights by new competitors between U.S. cities and Heathrow airport. A U.S.-U.K. open-skies agreement must also be finalized. The latest round of open skies talks are expected to begin today in Washington.