The U.S. Department of Transportation has stated that it favours the granting of antitrust immunity to American Airlines, Finnair and three other oneworld companies - Iberia, British Airways and Royal Jordanian - which will tighten cooperation between the alliance members in trans-Atlantic traffic. Antitrust immunity will increase choice for flight passengers and enhance competition between the airline alliances. If the preliminary decision is confirmed within the 45-day comment period, the oneworld partners will be able to expand their cooperation in, among other things, traffic and route planning, marketing, pricing, frequent-flyer programs, cargo transportation, and information and distribution systems in traffic between Europe and North America. Antitrust immunity to oneworld is also strategically important for the competitiveness of the alliance, as the Star and Sky Team alliances already have such immunity. "Immunity will be highly significant in balancing competition between alliances in North Atlantic traffic. In future, together with its oneworld partners, Finnair will be able to produce for its customers a cost-effective service package offering attractive connections and destinations that compare favourably with the other alliance networks," says Finnair Vice President Paavo Virkkunen, who is responsible for oneworld relations. Last weekend, moreover, oneworld alliance members American Airlines and Japan Airlines asked the U.S. Department of Transportation for antitrust immunity in traffic between North American and Japan. If the application is approved, oneworld's global network will expand further and also offer Finnair customers a more comprehensive service worldwide. Finnair Plc Communications 16.2.2010 Further information: Paavo Virkkunen, Finnair's Vice President responsible for oneworld relations, tel. +358 9 818 8580.