AIRLINES : Airlines Ask for Probe of American, BA Pact

Five airlines, worried about threatened competition if American Airlines and British Airways are allowed to operate jointly, asked for a formal investigation of the plan. The two aviation giants have sought antitrust immunity to allow them to coordinate their routes and ticketing operations, a request being considered by United States and Britain. Opposition to the proposal has been voiced by other airlines, and the group of five announced they are petitioning the Transportation Department to launch a formal investigation of the impact on competition if the deal is allowed to go through. Making the request were United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Trans World Airlines, Tower Air and Laker Airways.