Antitrust Immunized Alliance
Continental Airlines receives final approval to join Star Alliance
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) today approved the application for Continental Airlines to join the existing antitrust immunized alliance including United Airlines and eight other Star Alliance member carriers.
“We are pleased to receive final approval from the Department of Transportation,” said Larry Kellner, Continental’s chairman and CEO. “Continental is working to provide a seamless transition for its customers from the SkyTeam alliance to Star Alliance this fall. The DOT decision greatly benefits our customers, employees, and shareholders. It ensures global competition with other antitrust immunized alliances while encouraging the retention and growth of open skies between the US and other nations.”
“Today’s decision from the Department of Transportation facilitates the development of a competitive partnership that is good for consumers, our employees, and the communities we serve,” said Glenn Tilton, United’s chairman, president, and CEO. “United, Continental, and the Star Alliance carriers will be able to compete more effectively in an increasingly global air travel market, while providing our respective customers with improved access to more of the world and creating opportunities for our employees.”
Continental and United expressed their appreciation to the numerous community and civic parties whose enthusiastic support has been critical to the airlines’ efforts to secure this approval. The airlines also thank their employees, their millions of customers, and the travel professionals, as well as congressional, state, and local government representatives and business partners who urged timely approval of the application.
Continental and United also expressed their appreciation for the efforts of DOT Secretary Ray LaHood and his staff who have worked diligently to protect the needs of consumers, communities, and airline employees by finalizing its order with modest adjustments while recognizing the issues facing the industry.
In addition to United, the eight Star Alliance members who have been granted DOT approval for antitrust immunity are Air Canada, Austrian, bmi, Lufthansa, LOT Polish Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), SWISS, and TAP Air Portugal.
Continental Airlines is the world’s fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 2,750 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia, serving 133 domestic and 132 international destinations. With more than 43,000 employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland, and Guam, and together with its regional partners, carries approximately 67 million passengers per year.
Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, Continental consistently earns awards and critical acclaim for both its operation and its corporate culture. For the sixth consecutive year, FORTUNE magazine named Continental the No. 1 World’s Most Admired Airline on its 2009 list of World’s Most Admired Companies. For more company information, go to continental.com.
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