WASHINGTON, Dec 21 (Reuters) - Irish airline Aer Lingus
received final U.S. approval on Monday to join a transatlantic
joint venture with other major airlines.
The U.S. Transportation Department in November granted
tentative approval for Aer Lingus to join the venture consisting
of American Airlines, British Airways, OpenSkies,
Iberia, and Finnair.
The announcement will give the joint venture control of more
than half of the U.S.-Ireland passenger flight market. The
approval will integrate Aer Lingus into the venture's network
planning, pricing and sales.
(Reporting by David Shepardson
Editing by Chris Reese)