, which includes V Australia, Virgin Australia (recently rebranded from Virgin Blue) and Pacific Blue Airlines. The U.S. Department of Transportation in September
tentatively denied the carriers' application, owing to a lack of public benefit. On Tuesday, DOT indicated that in a revised application, "Virgin Blue Group expanded the scope of the alliance to include service to more passengers. It also said that it had completed an upgrade of its reservation system to ensure compatibility with Delta's system, providing consumers with a more seamless travel network." DOT for 14 days will accept public comments on its proposal to approve the deal. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
approved the dealin December 2009.