Airfares will more than likely rise as a result, but it makes perfect sense for this partnership, given the rise in oil prices and increased competition. To compete against the likes of Qatar and Emirates (who dont have the same oil costs) in the next decade, its essential there is consolidation.

Neil, Belfast, UK

AA is unquestionably the worst airline I've ever flown...and considering Delta's in that mix, that's sayng something. I agree with others here who say BA needs to get its own house back in order rather than diluting its service and brand even further.

DC, London,

What possible advantage to the consumer is combining the two most jncompotent airlines in the world. They are both famous for executive greed, arrogance and complete disdain for their customers ( or as they view them revenue units). A merger will be a disaster for passengers all over the world.

David, Dallas , US

The plea for immunity is so absurd there must be an ulterior motive.

Our response will show whether we have learned anything from BAA; and from BA's collusion with Virgin, that cost it two nine-figure fines from the US and UK authorities, that has four of its top executives now under indictment.

Noel Falconer, COUIZA, France

Good old BA, now thyey have the ability, and capacity to lose even more laptops/baggage

Rob Bain, Derby,

Mr Walsh transformed the irish national carrier Aer Lingus to a dynamic lower cost national carrier that has survived despite now extensive competition, a merger / cost savings for BA is the right thing in the current climate as I'm sure Richard Branson / Virgin realise they must do too.

James, Oxford,

I am surprised on how negative the comments on this are . This merger is probably BA'a only chance to remain a major world player - yet apparently people would rather see it overtaken by Air France (and will that really improve the lot of passengers?)

Dave Scott, Loughborough,

AA is the only major american airline not to have been through chapter 11 , mr. patrick

dove, tel aviv,

I think this is the worst of news, Anything that reduces competition is always bad news to my ears, When Mr Walsh was running the Irish national carrier it had little competition and was the most expensive air carrier in Europe and here he goes again.I think its time to get rid of Mr Walsh.

Peter, Vancouver. BC., Canada

Let's hope that service doesn't slip to that of the lowest carrier!
As bad as BA has become, be very afraid as AA is much much worse.

Judith, New York/London,

BA is diluting a bad brand even more and will rue the day that it got involved with AA, a airline continually in Chapter 11. Bad passenger service will get worse and people will use other airlines from the UK. The answer is to get BA's house in order and to restore the brand.

Patrick, Taipei, Taiwan

Who cares about BA anyway? They are no longer our national airline. They have abandoned operations everywhere but Heathrow and Gatwick, forcing their passengers in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester and Newcastle to fly through London's awful airports to go anywhere else in the world.

Paul Kempsey, Clitheroe, United Kingdom

BA must be planning to cut staff with this plan in mind, and trying to control the main flights

oliver, colchester,

Perhaps because that is what Star Alliance and Skyteam already have? Is it right that Oneworld is competing with one arm tied behind its back?

Paul Smith, brighton, uk

Why on Earth, given how bad BA is and its proven propensity to abuse its market power, should we allow it further monopoly powers? I can see absolutely no reason why regulators should change their minds.

Ian, Frederick, USA