### TRANSPORTATION U.S. Department Assistant Secretary 

### nC}Cf<FTS 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 of Transportation Office of the Secretory March 25. 2010
..

. ,< ,j , ofTransportation

The Honorable Otis S. Johnson, Ph.D. Mayor ofSavannah Savannah, GA 31402 Dear Mayor Johnson: Thank you for yourletter ofFebruary 23 supporting the application for antitrust immunity filed by American Airlines and Japan Airlines. I am responding on behalfofSecretary LaHood. As youmay know, the applicants-members ofthe oneworld Alliance-are seeking antitrust immunity to closely coordinate flights between the United States and Asia. According to the application, the alliance partners·plan to launch ajointventure for conveyance oftranspacific traffic. The application is administered in a public docket, which ensures that interested parties have the opportunity to comment. The U.S. Department.ofTransportation (DOT) will evaluate the application according to rigorous statutory standards, beginning with a review ofthe record to determine ifit is substantially complete. Decisions onthe application are made in consultation with the U.S. Department ofJustice's Antitrust Divisionfollowing a thorough analysis of competitive factors. As this matteris nowpending, I hope you understand that I cannot comment on the merits ofthe application. I can assure you, however, that DOT will give full and fair consideration to the application as well as any comments filed inthe docket. As is our normal practice, I amplacing a copy ofyour letter andthis response in Docket DOT-OST-201O"-as a contact outside the record inthis matter. I appreciate your interest in this proceeding. Sincerelyyours,

//. Susan 

### L. Kurland Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs

### S 1 0-1 00304-026

Otis S. Johnson,Mayor February 23,2010 TheHonorable Ray LaHood Secretary United States Department ofTransportation 1200NewJersey Avenue, SE Washington, D.C. 20590

DearSecretary LaHood: Thank you for the opportunity to express my support for the application for antitrust immunity and proposedjointbusiness agreement filed by American Airlines and Japan Airlines. The proposed alliance between these two airlines is vital for the oneworld alliance to compete effectively with the Star and SkyTeam alliances. This increased alliance competition will in tum enhance the benefits of the Department's Open Skies policy

- first by solidifying U.S.

- Japan Open Skies, then by serving as a foundation for further liberalization across Asia. After a thorough review, I encourage the Department ofTransportation to·approve this application as it would enable these oneworld alliance airlines to work closely together to deliver highly competitive air transportation services. Approval for AAlJAL alliance will have a positive impact on air travel by offering customers more service
.. scheduling and pricing options and wiJI help to ensure that customers continue to benefitfrom the competition afforded by three competitive air alliances. Iurgeyouto"qtdclClyapprove this application. Sincerely,

# o~1Y~". Mayor
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## .. ,**T~!** I**ojohnson@savannahga~gov** • P.O. Box 1027 • Savannah, Georgia 31402 -(912)**6S1~6444** • Fax (912) 651·6805