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BA global tie-up could take a year for US regulatory approval

British Airways’ attempt to create what rival Sir Richard Branson slammed as “a monster monopoly” with American Airlines and Iberia is likely to wait a year for regulatory clearance.

The airlines have filed for anti-trust immunity with the US Department of Transportation and notified regulators in the European Union. However, previous applications have taken a year or more to process.

If the application succeeds it will allow the airlines to operate as a single carrier while remaining legally separate.

The trio will be able to coordinate schedules and fares on fights between Europe and the US, Mexico and Canada.

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