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US: Delta, Virgin want antitrust immunity

By  |  April 10, 2013

In preparation for their joint venture, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic Airways have requested antitrust immunity from the US Department of Transportation. The request concerns their flights between North America and the United Kingdom. In a statement, Delta Air Lines president Ed Bastian argued that antitrust immunity would allow for full benefits to consumers, “particularly on flights to and from London Heathrow Airport.” According to reports, if immunity is granted it would allow the airlines to offer 31 round trip flights between the UK and North America; 23 of those would operate to and from London-Heathrow. The joint venture was first announced last December when Delta reported plans to buy a 49 percent stake in Virgin Atlantic for $360 million.

 

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