EU expects slots release to boost transatlantic competition
15.07.10
European regulators expect competition on transatlantic routes will intensify after approving the joint venture between British Airways, American Airlines, and their partners in the Oneworld alliance, the Wall Street Journal reports. Rival airlines have until August 26 to apply for takeoff and landing slots the Oneworld airlines will surrender to allow more services from Heathrow to the US starting with the summer timetable at the end of next March.
The EC approved the transatlantic joint venture yesterday in return for BA and AA surrendering access to Heathrow to a number of US airports. The airlines have agreed to make suitable slots available at Heathrow for rivals to operate two daily services to Boston, and one each to Miami and Dallas. They may also be asked to provide three takeoff and landing slots a day to rivals on the busiest transatlantic route - Heathrow to New York JFK. However, this requirement is only triggered if an existing rival pulls out of the route.
The Commission will decide who receives the slots surrendered under a lease agreement and whether they must pay for them. The airline providing the most competition to existing airlines is most likely to secure the slots. An EU spokesman said: ‘Given the interest expressed by third parties throughout the investigation, it is unlikely that an airline will not want to pick up the [slots].'
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