Chile-headquartered LATAM Airlines said Thursday that it has inked separate business agreements to deepen its ties with American Airlines Group and IAG's BA and Iberia, members of the Oneworld Alliance. "Throughout the implementation of the agreements, each airline will continue to operate independently and maintain control of their respective operations. These agreements will not cause any changes to the ownership or administration of the airlines," the company said. American and LATAM plan to apply for immunity from antitrust law, which would help the airlines coordinate schedules and prices for flights among their countries of operation. If approved, the agreement between American and LATAM would improve connectivity between South America and the United States and Canada. The agreement between LATAM and IAG's British and Iberia would increase flight options between Europe and Latin America. <br/>
oneworld
Russian aviation officials say they have uncovered new evidence about the 2014 downing of a Malaysian jet over eastern Ukraine and are asking Dutch investigators to look into the findings. The Dutch Safety Board said in its final report released in October that Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was destroyed by a Soviet-made Buk surface-to-air missile. Moscow has been anxious to deflect suspicion from the rebels it is backing in eastern Ukraine who said before the crash they had this type of missiles. In a letter to the Dutch Safety Board chairman published Thursday, the Russian Aviation Agency said its experts have since conducted experiments and research that proved the Dutch probe and its conclusions to be "unsubstantiated and inaccurate."<br/>
An American Airlines flight bound for Mineta San Jose International Airport made a safe emergency landing Thursday afternoon after a possible mechanical issue, airline officials said. American Airlines flight No. 597 departed from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Arizona for San Jose, where it safely landed at 3:48 p.m. and taxied to the gate, according to the airline. The pilot reported of a possible mechanical issue as the Airbus A319 plane landed, according to airline officials. There were 111 passengers and a crew of five people. All are being evaluated Thursday afternoon, airline officials said.<br/>