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Posted: Tuesday, 07 July 2009 12:11PM
Airlines defend antitrust-immunity bid
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WASHINGTON (AP) -- Chicago-based United, Continental, and eight other airlines say the Justice Department's opposition to their bid for broad antitrust immunity was based on shortsighted analysis.
The companies contend that the Justice Department ignored conditions in the airline industry.
The airlines want immunity to cooperate in setting prices and schedules on international service without violating U.S. antitrust laws. In a filing yesterday, they said consumers benefit when airlines can expand their networks through alliances with other carriers.
The decision is in the hands of the Transportation Department, which gave preliminary approval to the immunity request in April.
But the Justice Department weighed in last month, saying that broad, global immunity would drive up fares and reduce competition on some international routes.
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Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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