## or:oT (lr:**Tr;/.~** l"li

. .... . LI

. -..'1**~ 1\:\i'i0!~ORTATIt:tl.h**  New Jersey Avenue, SE Assistant Secretary i**\f{'I"~"** HJPI"

.. U.S. Department

. ",'J,:: i

### 0 Washington, DC 20590 ofTransportation 

### March 25, 2010 Office ofthe Secretary ofTransportation



### Mr. StevenGrossman Executive Director/CEO Jacksonville Aviation Authority 14201 Pecan Park Road Jacksonville, FL 32218

# DearMr~ Thankyou for your letter ofFebruary 24 supporting the application for antitrust immunity filed by American Airlines and Japan Airlines. I am responding on behalfofSecretary LaHood. As you may 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 areview ofthe record to determine ifit is substantially complete. Decisions on the application are made in consultation with the U.S. Department ofJustice's Antitrust Division following a thorough analysis of competitive factors. As this matter is now pending, Ihope 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 in the docket. As is our normal practice, I am placing a copy ofyour letter and this response in Docket DOT-OST-2010-_ as a contact outside the record in this matter, I appreciate your interest in this proceeding. Sincerely yours,

Susan 

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

### S 1 0-100304-039


## JACKSONVilLE AvfAfioN AufiffRTiv

PO Box 18018 February 24, 2010 Jacksonville, Fl The Honorable Raymond H. LaHood Secretary. 32229·0018 

## u.s. Department ofTransportation 1200 NewJerseyAve, SE WIIJIu.jlllt.atro Washington, DC 20590 Attention:Docket DOT-OST-2010

__ Dear Mr. Secretary: Thankyou fp(the opportunityto express my support for theapplication for antitrust Immunity'and proposed joint business 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 turn enhance the benefits ofthe Department's Open Skies policy
- first by solidifying U.S.-Jspan Open Skies, then by serving as afoundation for further liberalization across Asia. After athorough review, Iencourage 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 forAA/JAL alliance will have a positive impact on air travel by offering customers more service, scheduling aAd pricing options and will help to ensure that customers continue to benefitfrom the competition affdtded by three competitive air alliances. I urge you to quickly approve this application. Sincerely,

# ~~ Executive Director/CEO Jacksonville Aviation Authority 14201 Pecan Park Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32218 sgrossman@jaa.aero

JacksOIlville blttl'national Airport • el'aig Ail'port • Herlollg Airport· Cuil Pield