Delta Air Lines receives antitrust immunity from DOT

ATLANTA - SkyTeam carriers Delta Air
Lines, Air France, Alitalia and CSA Czech Airlines received final approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for antitrust immunity agreements that will permit the carriers to implement a more integrated global airline alliance.

The four carriers today operate a number of transatlantic codeshare flights. With antitrust immunity, Delta, Air France, Alitalia and CSA Czech airlines will have the opportunity to discuss and agree on routes and
schedules and coordinate marketing and sales programs, frequent flyer programs, pricing and revenue management initiatives, service standards and procedures, advertising and media programs, and cargo programs.

This enhanced cooperation will result in improved services to customers.

"With this approval by DOT, the four SkyTeam carriers now will be able to operate the third immunized transatlantic alliance, create a more competitive marketplace, and allow customers more choices. We are delighted that the Department of Transportation has given SkyTeam the green light to complete on
an equal footing in the global marketplace," said Leo F. Mullin, Delta's chairman and chief executive officer.

Antitrust immunity will encourage Delta and its European SkyTeam partners to manage their flight schedules and seat inventories in a manner that will maximize benefits to the overall network, improving customer choice for
passengers departing from the United States to destinations in Europe.

Similarly, passengers flying to the United States on Delta's European partners will be able to link up with Delta's extensive domestic system to reach destinations throughout the United States.

U.S. Department of Transportation studies show that international airline alliances generate substantial benefits for consumers and enhance competition through improved air services and lower fares. With antitrust immunity, the
four carriers will pursue a coordinated approach to schedules, routes and network planning to improve flight connections between Delta's U.S. services and destinations beyond the hubs operated by Delta's European partners in Paris, Milan, Rome and Prague.

This will permit the four carriers to expand
their U.S.-European codeshare operations, providing travelers with more travel
opportunities.