AIRLINES

Britain OKs Airline Merger: The British government cleared the way for the takeover of Davies & Newman Holdings’ Dan-Air Services Ltd. by British Airways. The Department of Trade and Industry said in a statement that it decided not to refer the planned takeover to Britain’s Monopolies and Mergers Commission. Transactions typically are referred to the MMC if officials are concerned about antitrust implications. Last month, British Air said it would take over Dan-Air in return for the assumption of the bankrupt carrier’s debt, resulting in a $56.6-million charge.