The licence would allow American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia Airlines, Finnair and Royal Jordanian Airlines to more closely work togther in transatlantic markets.
In practice, this would allow the airlines to co-ordinate routes, marketing, fares, customer programmes and freight traffic. However, under the proposal, the airlines must agree to conditions to protect consumers and preserve competition.
If the proposal is accepted, the department’s decision will be made final in about two months time. EU approval is also required for the proposal.
