Antitrust Immunity Requested for United-All Nippon Airways Joint Cargo Venture

All Nippon Airways (ANA) today filed an application with the MLIT (Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) for antitrust immunity to enable ANA and United Airlines to create a more efficient and comprehensive trans-Pacific air cargo business network.

The trans-Pacific cargo joint venture – the first of its kind between the U.S. and Asia –would generate substantial service benefits for freight consumers. It would also enable United and ANA to compete more effectively with other airlines that maintain a significant presence in both markets.

Upon completion of the Japanese and United States regulatory processes, United and ANA will be able to jointly manage trans-Pacific air cargo business activities including scheduling, pricing and sales. This will allow the carriers to offer customers a greater selection of routings and cargo space along with a wider range of service options.

United Airlines and ANA are members of Star Alliance, and this cargo joint venture will expand the relationship they have established on passenger service to the area of cargo service to further increase customers’ benefit.