Six SkyTeam carriers—Air France, Alitalia, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Northwest Airlines—today filed for antitrust immunity with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Although a similar filing for antitrust immunity in 2005 went without DOT approval, the recent Open Skies agreement between European Union and United States is expected to ease regulatory hurdles for alliances seeking immunity
(BTN, April 23).
"Included in the application is a joint venture agreement between Air France, Delta, KLM and Northwest that would create a comprehensive and integrated partnership among the four SkyTeam members across the Atlantic," Delta said in a statement.
In addition to making alliancewide corporate rate deals easier for clients and airlines to implement, antitrust immunity would offer "more choice in flight schedules, travel times, services and fares," Delta said.
SkyTeam carriers in 2005 withdrew an earlier request for antitrust immunity following resistance from DOT. The alliance partners said they would, at a later date, pursue their request
(BTN, Jan. 23, 2006). However, in 2002 DOT gave antitrust immunity to SkyTeam carriers Air France, Alitalia, CSA Czech Airlines and Delta. Meanwhile, Northwest and KLM's joint venture has antitrust immunity.