United, Continental and All Nippon Airways seek anti-trust waiver

US carriers United Airlines and Continental Airlines Inc and Japan's All Nippon Airways Co Ltd (ANA) are seeking a waiver of antitrust rules from the US to allow them to coordinate flights and fares across the Pacific.

They have lodged an application with the regulators in the matter.

In a statement, the carriers said they have filed an application with the US Department of Transportation seeking immunity from antitrust proceedings to "compete more effectively" with other global airline alliances.
The airlines are members of the Star Alliance.

With immunity, which has taken the place of mergers in recent years, carriers can share pricing, scheduling and other information on specific routes.

The filing comes less than two weeks of the US and Japan reaching a so-called 'open skies' agreement to further liberalise air service, especially in and out of Tokyo. Japan has meanwhile called for withholding the deal until the US waives certain antitrust rules and allows US and Japanese carriers strengthen alliances.

According to United and its partners, approval would allow expanded route choices along with a wider range of fares and services.