A NUMBER of top international cruise lines have thrown their support behind the planned joint business agreement (JBA) between American Airlines and Qantas on transPacific routes that is being considered by the US Department of Transportation.
Senior executives representing both the Holland America Group (HAG) and Celebrity Cruises have submitted letters to the US Govt, via American Airlines, urging the proposed JBA be approved.
“Our company and our employees will benefit in many ways from approval of the proposed joint venture, which will lower fares, increase capacity, add new flight and route options, enhance connectivity & improve schedule coordination,” HAG vp of Air Services Clecio Primo said.
Collectively, Holland America Group serves Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn and P&O Australia.
Celebrity Cruises director of Air Strategy Michelle Johnson submitted a virtual replica letter on behalf of the cruise company’s 15,083 employees.
Johnson insisted the transport regulator “approve and grant antitrust immunity to AA and QF so that the two airlines can bring the benefits of joint ventures to travellers between the US and Australia and New Zealand”.
Both letters were signed late last month but only filed with the Dept of Transportation yesterday.
HAG and Celebrity are among hundreds of submissions which have been received in favour of the flagged JBA since American and Qantas reapplied to the DOT for antitrust immunity in late Feb.
Source: traveldaily