British Airways and American Airlines offer commitments to resolve competition concerns

11 May, 2020

UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced (07-May-2020) British Airways and American Airlines will make slots available at London Heathrow Airport or London Gatwick Airport as part of a wider package of measures to resolve competition concerns regarding the carriers' joint business on certain routes between the UK and US. CMA's investigation identified potential competition concerns on routes from London to Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Miami and Philadelphia. Proposed measures include:

  • Releasing additional take off and landing slots at London Heathrow or London Gatwick airports to enable competitors to begin or increase nonstop flights between London and Boston, Dallas and Miami;
  • Measures to support competing services on these routes as well as on the London to Chicago and London to Philadelphia routes, including access to connecting passengers on preferential terms.

CMA is consulting interested parties before taking a decision on whether to accept the commitments. CMA antitrust senior director Ann Pope said the suggested resolution can increase competition and deliver lower fares for customers. [more - original PR]