BUSINESS BRIEFING / AIRLINES
TIMES WIRE REPORTS
The Transportation Department granted Continental Airlines Inc. immunity from antitrust laws, allowing it to join the Star Alliance of airlines and work closely with a group of other carriers on international service.
The decision pushed aside some objections raised by the Justice Department, which said the airlines’ cooperation on pricing and services would lead to higher fares and less competition.
The Transportation Department also approved a joint venture between Continental and Star members United Airlines, Lufthansa and Air Canada for transatlantic service.
