DOJ Opposes Antitrust Immunity For Continental

The U.S. Department of Justice raised strong opposition on airline operator Continental Airlines Inc.'s (CAL: News ) broad request for antitrust immunity to work more closely with United Airlines (UAUA: News ) and other nine members of the Star Alliance group of carriers. The Department rejected the airline's pursuit of global immunity from antitrust laws, arguing that broader immunity could hurt competition on other routes between the U.S. and China and raise fares within the U.S. The Star Alliance group also includes US Airways (LCC: News ), Lufthansa and Air Canada. According to the Justice Department, Continental and United plan to sell seats on each other's U.S. flights, combine customer lounges, consolidate operations at airports, and work together on procurement. Such an arrangement would go beyond normal... [read full story]                    

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