1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Assistant Secretary U.S. Department Washington, DO 20590 ofTransportation April 14, 2010 Office of the Secretary ofTransportation

The Honorable Joe Straus Speaker Texas House ofRepresentatives Austin, TX 78768 Dear Speaker Straus: Thank you for your1etter ofMarch

### 23 supporting the application for antitrust immunity filed by All Nippon Airways, United Air Lines, andContinentaI Airlines. I am responding onbehalfof Secretary LaHood. ' . As you may know, the applicants-members ofthe Star 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 AntitrustDivision following a thorough analysis of competitive factors. As this matter is nowpending, I hope youunderstand that.I cannot comment onthe merits ofthe application. I can assure you, however, that DOTwill give full and fair consideration to the appljcation as well as any comments filed inthe docket. As is our normal practice, I amplacing a copy ofyourletter and this response in Docket**DOT~OST~2010~0059** as a contact outside the record inthis matter.. I appreciate your interest in this proceeding.

rJrlSusan L. Kurland 

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A.ssistant Secretary for Avtation and International Affairs

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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES JOE STRAUS

SPEAKER

March 23, 2010 The Honorable Ray H. LaHood Secretary U.S. Department ofTransportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue. SE Washington, D.C. 20590 Subject: Docket DOT-OST-2010'" Dear Mr. Secretary; I am writing in support ofthe application for antitrust immunity and proposedjoint business agreement submitted by Continental Airlines, United Airlines and All Nippon Airways, which are all members of the StarAlliance.

---­ Over the last several years, airlines have .created alliances to realize costreductions, increase benefits to the traveler and further liberalize commercial air travel between the United States and other countries. Thisjoint business agreement between the Star Alliance members is a critical factor in their ability to compete effectively with the Oneworld and Sky Team alliances. Increased competition .among the alliances enhances the benefits of the department's Open Skies policy by further liberalizing commercial air transport between the UnitedStates and Japan and fosters closer ties between alliance members. The Star Alliance members will be able to offer more competitive service, scheduling and pricing options for air travel customers. Travelers will ultimately benefit from the increased choices and options that have been available toconsumers in otherparts ofthe world. I respectfully urge you to approve the application submitted by the Star Alliance airline members. Sincerely,



### JRS/ja· P.o, Box 2910 • AUSTIN, TEXAS 78768-2910 • ('H2) 463-1000 • FAX (512) 463-067'5