CAPA last year described the existing agreement as a Joint Business Arrangement, and the request (now denied by the DOT) as a joint venture with revenue sharing. Perhaps the JBA lacked the commonly requested anti-trust immunity for revenue sharing, pricing, and schedule coordination.

American Airlines and Qantas announced on 09-Jun-2015 a transformation of their partnership from a Joint Business Agreement to joint venture with revenue sharing. This coincides with American's entry to the Australian market, creating a scenario where revenue-sharing makes sense since both carriers are present in the market. American will be able to push US point of sale for the JV. This is subject to regulatory approval, which is likely to be granted - although not a foregone conclusion.


http://centreforaviation.com/analysi...al-role-229243