The U.S. Transportation Department has issued a final order granting antitrust immunity to allow United Continental Holdings Inc. to join with one of Japan’s major airlines to jointly schedule schedule flights to Asia and conduct sales activities.

The joint venture with All Nippon Airways Co. is expected to launch in the spring, said the Chicago-based United Continental, the holding company that runs United and Continental airlines as the two combine under the name United.

Customers traveling between the Americas and Asia will enjoy more convenient flight schedules, with a broader range of fare and product options, once the joint venture is implemented, the company said.

jwernau@tribune.com