WASHINGTON, June 3 (Reuters) - The U.S. Transportation Department on Monday said it has granted tentative approval to a bid by American Airlines Group Inc AAL.O and Qantas Airways Ltd QAN.AX to operate a joint venture.
The department issued a show order tentatively approving the joint business agreement and tentatively granting antitrust immunity to the airlines covering international service. A prior application for a joint venture covering the United States, Australia and New Zealand was rejected in November 2016 by former President Barack Obama's administration. Reuters reported Sunday details of the expected announcement.