AAI Replies to Objection of SkyTeam Alliance Partners – Says AAI Comments on Antitrust Immunity for Latest Joint Venture Are Critically Important to U.S. Department of Transportation Review

On March 11, 2019, the American Antitrust Institute responded to SkyTeam alliance partners’ objection to AAI comments in DOT-OST-2013-0068. AAI’s comments highlight the competitive issues raised by SkyTeam’s latest request for expanded antitrust immunity on transatlantic routes. The reply notes the unsupported and diversionary nature of SkyTeam’s objections. AAI’s comments make a strong case for why the U.S. Department of Transportation should carefully scrutinize arguments that antitrust immunity creates public benefits. AAI’s comments draw from analysis in a March 2018 White Paper that highlights the important linkage between antitrust immunity for the international airline alliances and consolidation in the U.S. airline industry.