Transportation Dept. Clears Orbitz Launch

Orbitz, a travel Web site funded by five major airlines, is set for launch in June after the U.S. Transportation Department declined to prevent the start of the venture or seek changes in its business plan. The Orbitz plan had sparked a review by regulators and criticism by online competitors and travel agents who were skeptical that an airline-funded travel venture would benefit consumers. Orbitz is funded by United Airlines parent UAL Corp., Delta Air Lines, Continental Airlines, Northwest Airlines and American Airlines parent AMR Corp. But the Transportation Department said it had no evidence to justify blocking the start of operations and instead would monitor Orbitz to prevent any anti-competitive behavior.

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