Chilean antitrust court approves LATAM tie-up with American, IAG

Chile's antitrust court has approved a plan by LATAM Airlines to deepen its ties with American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia, LATAM Airlines said. The company's CE said the TDLC court had approved the linkup between the aviation firms in relation to both passenger and cargo planes. “This decision sets an important precedent for commercial aviation in our region," said Enrique Cueto. "As has been shown in other parts of the world where these alliances already exist, it represents an opportunity to ensure the growth of the industry, increase passenger traffic and generate more tourism and business travel and bolster the economy." The agreements have already been approved by authorities in Uruguay, Colombia and Brazil. <br/>