American Airlines expects short delay to alliance approval

American Airlines said Saturday it remained confident that the U.S. Department of Transportation would approve its application for antitrust immunity despite a delay.

The U.S. DOT passed its statutory deadline on Saturday October 31 to finish its review of the antitrust immunity application filed by American Airlines and partners.

However, American Airlines said didn't expect a long delay in receiving approval from the DOT.

The carrier pointed to the recently delayed DOT decision in Continental Airlines' application to join the Star Alliance which in the end, was approved.

"We don't view this development with our application as anything more than part of the process" the airline told The Dallas Morning News.

"We are confident that we will receive approval of our application because it will ensure robust competition for consumers by allowing oneworld to compete on a level playing field with Star and Skyteam, both of which enjoy broad antitrust immunity."