Bmi and United Airlines have made an application to the US Government to form an alliance, effectively merging their transatlantic services, according to a report in The Times. The newspaper said the two companies made a submission to the US department of Transport on Monday, seeking permission to create the alliance from next March, though both airlines would remain independent.

The agreement would see passengers deal with just one airline when booking tickets, with bmi passengers having access to all of United’s destinations and routes.

Bmi chief executive Nigel Turner said: ‘This paves the way to an alliance; it does not guarantee it. We want to put in place all the steps now to fully take advantage of open skies.’
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