(BRUSSELS) - The European Commission on Tuesday announced the launch of a joint study with the US transport department on the growth of transatlantic airline alliances and their effect on competition.

The study is aimed at helping develop "a common understanding of trends in the airline industry in order to promote compatible approaches on competition issues," the EU's executive arm said in a statement.

"The research will explore the robust growth of airline alliances, the effect of alliances on airline competition and possible changes in the role of alliances following the EU-US Air Transport Agreement," the Commission added.

EU transport ministers last year cleared plans to free up the transatlantic aviation market under a long-sought "open skies" accord expected to drive down fares and raise passenger numbers once it comes into effect on March 30.

The EU-US air agreement "is expected to enhance competition by allowing, for the first time, EU or US airlines to serve any routes between Europe and the United States," the Commission said.

The joint research project will produce a report on its findings to be published in mid-2009.

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