British Airways and American Airlines Agreement Approved by U.S.

British Airways and American Airlines have been approved to work together on various aspects of their businesses, as flight restrictions between Europe and the U.S.removed in 2008 opened the door to new competitive alliances between companies.

Per the tentative approval, the two airlines will be allowed to offer joint schedules, prices, and marketing efforts without anti-trust issues being raised by the U.S. Transportation Department.

In order to secure the deal, American and British Airways had to give up four of their slots at Heathrow Airport for takeoff and landing to their competitors.

British Billionaire and competitor Richard Branson, of Virgin Atlantic Airways, wasn't thrilled with the ruling, and stated that “Four slots pairs is a complete joke, and those responsible for this decision should hang their heads in shame.”
 
The two companies had tried two other times to make this happen, but the sticking point had been the takeoff and landing slots, which of course have now been agreed to.