SkyTeam carriers
Air France, Alitalia, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, KLM Royal
Dutch Airlines and Northwest Airlines have applied
with the U.S. Department of Transportation for antitrust
immunity for transatlantic routings.Delta currently has antitrust
immunity with Air France, Alitalia and CSA, while Northwest has
antitrust immunity with KLM.

  Included in the application is a joint venture agreement between
Air France, Delta, KLM and Northwest that would create a comprehensive
and integrated partnership among the four SkyTeam members across the
Atlantic.

  A more integrated SkyTeam alliance offers significant advantages
to consumers, including more choice in flight schedules, travel times,
services and fares. The DOT has approved more than 20 applications for
antitrust immunity in the past, including the recent approval of
immunity for nine Star Alliance members.

  This application is the first under the landmark European
Union-U.S. open skies treaty which creates the largest, most
important, and fully liberalized air transport marketplace in the
world.
——-