Latam applies for JV immunity with AA and IAG, while Qatar threatens...

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Some movement in airline alliances today. Latam has applied for antitrust immunity for joint-ventures with both IAG and American Airlines. While cargo doesn’t appear to be mentioned in the deal, IAG Cargo has recently set up several freight partnerships, and Latam could be a nice fit. Separately, however, all is not well in AA’s and IAG’s alliance, oneworld. Fellow member Qatar Airways is getting understandably irritated with AA’s position on the Gulf carriers. Outspoken CEO Akbar Al Baker told media this month: “We could form our own mini-alliance if we wanted to.” Qatar Airways, of course, owns 10% of AA partner IAG.