BA American Airlines partner agreement

American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia have partnered more closely on transatlantic flights through the creation of a joint business agreement.

Summer 2011 will bring even more benefits to customers as a result of the enhanced relationship among American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia when, for the first time ever, the airlines' schedules are coordinated for flights across the North Atlantic – including American's London express service with 15 flights per day from the New York city area to London.
The new schedule alignment, which begins March 27, means customers traveling between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and London Heathrow Airport (LHR) will benefit from more conveniently timed flights during peak periods in the late afternoon and evening. Customers will now have more ways to London – 15 flights a day in total between New York City (JFK/EWR) and London (LHR/LCY) – than ever before.

Previously, the 11 daily flights from JFK-LHR included five flights operated by American and British Airways that left at almost the same time. Now, those flights have been spread out to provide more departures at more desirable times throughout the day. For example, instead of the two morning flights from JFK in which both departed at 8:30 a.m., one will now depart at 8 a.m. and the other at 9:30 a.m., with both still arriving in London on the same day.



Through their joint business agreement, the participating oneworld airlines plan to work closely together to enhance travel on flights between North America and Europe, with plans to expand their global cooperation. And this relationship will extend further than simply providing new destinations.

For consumers, the agreement not only means more and better travel options but also more opportunities to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles and more convenient access to the airlines' combined airport lounges.

With antitrust immunity, American, British Airways and Iberia will be able to align their networks for North America-Europe travel by coordinating schedules, fares and operations, while sharing revenues and jointly marketing our frequent flyer programs, lounges and other services, offering customers seamless travel and enhanced rewards.

By working together the airlines will be better positioned to overcome the many challenges that the industry faces and to compete and adapt to the constantly changing aviation marketplace, creating better outcomes for customers and communities, employees and shareholders. Yet the individual airlines will continue to operate as separate entities with separate fleets, employees and brands.