Lawmakers, Rivals Balk At Airline Deal

American Airlines’ planned alliance with British Airways got rough treatment in Senate hearings Tuesday from lawmakers and rival carriers voicing concern it would lead to a trans-Atlantic monopoly.

David Schwarte, American’s managing director of international affairs, defended the proposed deal, saying it would make U.S.-British routes more competitive. He said American was prepared to give up gate slots at London’s Heathrow Airport as part of the deal.

But his remarks were met with skepticism from lawmakers and strong opposition from Richard Branson of Virgin Atlantic and representatives of Continental, Delta, United, U.S. Airways and the Consumer Federation of America.

American and British Airways are seeking antitrust immunity for an alliance that would allow them to coordinate their networks and offer better services to consumers.