United Airlines, Continental Airlines and ANA were granted antitrust immunity (ATI) by the Japanese Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and Tourism, in accordance with the Civil Aeronautics Act, enabling the carriers to establish a joint venture and to combine their trans-Pacific networks.
"Our network of service to eight Japanese cities will be enhanced by giving our customers more options for using our flights in conjunction with United and ANA for trips both within the region as well as on trans-Pacific routes," said Larry Kellner, Continental's chairman and chief executive officer.
"This joint venture, coupled with the recently announced open skies agreement between the U.S. and Japan, will significantly enhance our ability to serve customers in Japan and throughout Asia and offer new choice and convenience for customers," said Glenn Tilton, United's chairman and chief executive officer.
The U.S. Dept. of Transportation granted United, Continental and ANA tentative ATI approval on Oct. 6, 2010. Upon final approval by DOT and completion of an open skies agreement between the United States and Japan, the three carriers intend to begin implementation of their joint venture in spring 2011.
The carriers intend to jointly develop flight schedules and sales activities. As a result, those customers traveling between the Americas and Asia will enjoy a more convenient flight schedule with a wider range of fare and product options.
ANA (All Nippon Airways Cp., Ltd.) is a leading Japanese provider of air transportation services, with the highest priorities on exceptional service and safe operations, carrying more than 47 million passengers a year. ANA operates as one of the world’s largest airlines, serving 126 domestic Japanese routes with 936 daily flights and 38 international and regional routes to 27 cities in Asia, Europe and North America, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and Honolulu.
As a member of Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance, ANA passengers enjoy access to a network of 1,172 airport destinations in 181 countries, and reciprocal benefits such as mileage accrual and reception and lounge access.
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