US Department of Transportation Tentatively Rejects American Airlines-GOL Joint Venture
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued an order tentatively dismissing the joint venture application submitted by American Airlines and Brazil's GOL Linhas Aéreas. The airlines were seeking antitrust immunity to expand their commercial cooperation, including integrating their loyalty programs and networks. According to the DOT, the proposed alliance would harm the public interest by substantially reducing competition and consumer choice. The department concluded that combining the largest carriers in the U.S. and Brazil would create a dominant position in the market. Interested parties now have an opportunity to argue why this tentative decision should not be finalized.
Official Source: https://www.transportation.gov/regulations/federal-register-documents/2026-06083
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