AIRLINES

United-Lufthansa Alliance Gets Final Approval: The U.S. Department of Transportation gave its final approval for a code-sharing alliance between United Airlines and Lufthansa German Airlines, an arrangement that lets the two carriers sell each other’s flights. Approval had been expected since March 18, when the United States and Germany signed an aviation agreement allowing the two carriers to move ahead with their joint marketing plans. Airlines covet code sharing because it allows quick access to foreign markets. For passengers, using the service is like linking flights on the same airline.