American Airlines, British Airways and Spain’s Iberia are close to applying for antitrust immunity to form a joint venture that would be one of the most powerful forces in the transatlantic aviation market.

American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia seek joint venture: report - Forbes.com

expect IBERIA and BA to merge after that has been granted.

Great!!!! We can look forward to tapas on BA flights, hot fudge sundaes on Iberia flights and steak and kidney pie on AA flights.

Branson ain't happy bout this--

Virgin Atlantic objects to American Airlines alliance
12:18 PM CDT on Thursday, July 3, 2008
Associated Press

LONDON — An alliance between British Airways PLC, American Airlines and Iberia SA should be blocked, competitor Virgin Atlantic Ltd. said on Thursday, amid reports the trio are close to applying for U.S. antitrust immunity to form a trans-Atlantic joint venture.

This was announced on the same day AMR announced 7000 job cuts and BA purchased All-Business 757 airline L'Avion, which flies CDG-EWR, which is in competition with their own newly formed work-around carrier "OpenSkies"!!!!

Virtual international mergers, dollar in the international basement, US legacy carriers with €200MM market values and unionized labor having its collective ass handed to it daily.....Sounds like an IATA wet dream.


Happy Birthday, America!!!

All served to you for the low low price of $15 by an angry "senior" FA. If you want water with it, that'll be extra.