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American still expects to win immunity from the Transportation Department by the end of October, said spokesman Andrew Backover.

"The sooner that our application is approved, the quicker it will lead to healthier and more robust competition by allowing oneworld to compete on the same playing field" against two other alliances that already have immunity, Backover said.

SkyTeam, including Delta and Air France, already has antitrust immunity on trans-Atlantic routes, as do Star Alliance members other than Continental.

Houston-based Continental expects to leave SkyTeam on Oct. 24 and join Star quickly.

Continental shares rose 8 cents to close at $8.86 in trading Monday.