American Airlines, Qantas To Launch US-Australia Flights

American Airlines Group Inc said on Tuesday it would begin operating a direct daily flight to Australia for the first time in more than two decades, expanding a partnership with Qantas Airways Ltd that will also see that carrier adding direct flights to the U.S.

Beginning in December, American will fly daily between Los Angeles and Sydney, while Qantas will fly on peak days from Sydney to San Francisco, increasing frequency to six flights a week in January 2016.

American will operate using Boeing Co 777-300ER widebody aircraft, the companies said.

The U.S. Department of Transportation currently is reviewing an application for antitrust immunity for a Delta Air Lines Inc and Grupo Aeromexico SAB de CV joint venture.

Delta has said there is potential for a similar venture with Brazil's Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes SA.