American Airlines, European carriers in transatlantic flights tie-up

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

LONDON (AFP) — American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia of Spain said Thursday they had signed a commercial agreement to cooperate over flights between North America and Europe to help overcome soaring fuel costs.

The three-way deal also comes as airlines worldwide seek to take advantage of the newly launched "open skies" agreement that has loosened restrictions on carriers flying between the United States and Europe.

American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia on Thursday filed for worldwide anti-trust immunity from the US Department of Transportation over their tie-up, adding that they would also notify European Union regulators.

The three companies already form part of oneworld, an alliance comprising ten global airlines working to cut overheads....