EU grants immunity for BA-AA tie up

The European Union has given regulatory approval for the proposed British Airways-American Airlines joint venture across the Atlantic, with the two airlines now hopeful of gaining approval from the US Department of Transportation shortly.

“We await the DOT’s final decision but welcome this important and vital step forward,” said BA CEO Willie Walsh. “The high number of new services on London to US routes since the Open Skies agreement demonstrates that Heathrow is open. Between us, we have agreed to make available Heathrow slot pairs for our competitors to use on services to the US. This is a pragmatic decision so that we can get the joint business up and running as soon as possible.”