Six of the world’s major airlines announced today that they intend
          to form a new company that will create and operate an Internet marketplace
          linking carriers worldwide with qualified sellers of airline-related goods and
          services. The new venture will handle approximately $32 billion of the six
          airlines’ supply chain business annually.

Six of the world’s major airlines announced today that they intend
          to form a new company that will create and operate an Internet marketplace
          linking carriers worldwide with qualified sellers of airline-related goods and
          services. The new venture will handle approximately $32 billion of the six
          airlines’ supply chain business annually.

The airlines, realizing the global importance of such a venture, want the new
          Internet marketplace to be open to aviation customers and suppliers worldwide.
          Additionally, the partners see significant value for all participating airlines and
          suppliers through lower transaction, processing and inventory costs.
Specific items bought and sold through this “airline industry purchasing portal”
          may include such items as fuel and fuel services, airframe, avionics and engine
          components and maintenance services, as well as other goods and services
          agreed to by the founding airlines. Air transportation services are not included.

The financial investment by each founding airline was not announced, although
          each will initially invest an amount proportionate to the equity each receives.

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