WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Irish airline Aer Lingus received tentative U.S. approval on Monday to join the Oneworld carrier alliance, the U.S. Transportation Department announced, a move that will give the joint venture control of more than half of the U.S.-Ireland flight market.
Airlines are expected to expand capacity on some existing routes while introducing service on several new routes, allowing more options for travel between the United States and Ireland as well as the rest of Europe, the department said.
The approval will integrate Aer Lingus into Oneworld’s network planning, pricing and sales. Aer Lingus did not immediately comment.
Aer Lingus controls 44% of the U.S.-Ireland flight market, a figure that will rise to 60% for the alliance.
Despite the alliance’s majority market share, the U.S. regulator noted steps that it said would support competition.
As a condition of approval, the department proposed Oneworld maintain commitments to release landing and takeoff gate slots at London airports to competitors. Those were imposed when the alliance was first approved in 2010.
The Transportation Department also argued that new aircraft models will allow airlines to fly transatlantic routes with fewer seats and lower costs.
The public can comment on the tentative decision for two weeks before it is finalized.
Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Cynthia Osterman