AA Scores Major Victory with JAL

American Airlines declared victory Tuesday in a long and heated battle to maintain its partnership with Japan Airlines

After months of negotiations, JAL announced it plans to stay in American's OneWorld alliance, instead of defecting to Delta Airlines SkyTeam alliance.  Both U.S. airlines offered incentives worth more than $1 billion each, as they tried to form a closer partnership with JAL and gain control of some lucrative Asian travel routes. 

The cash American Airlines brings to the deal will help JAL, who filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, rebuild.

"We respect this was an important decision for Japan Airlines and the government of Japan, and we believe they have made the right choice for JAL's many stakeholders, for Japan's national interests, and for consumers traveling between Japan and the United States," said Gerard Arpey, American CEO.

Arpey added that American and JAL plan to file for anti-trust immunity in the U.S.  That approval from the Department of Transportation would allow the two company's to coordinate more closely in setting schedules and prices on trans-Pacific routes.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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