Brussels, 01/02/2010 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission confirmed on Monday 1 February that it was assessing the effectiveness of proposed commitments received from British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia in response to Commission concerns over potential anticompetitive agreements (see EUROPE 9990 and 9885). The agreements relate to passenger transport on certain long-haul routes. Before deciding whether the proposed commitments will be suitable to remedy its concerns, the Commission will send the proposed commitments first to a number of key market players for comments.
In April 2009 the Commission opened proceedings in relation to its concerns about agreements between British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia. These agreements would see the parties jointly manage schedules, capacity and pricing, as well as share revenues on transatlantic routes between North America and Europe. This creates a potential competition problem (restrictions on competition and doubts as to whether the arrangement will be to the benefit of consumers).
British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia offered commitments in order to alleviate the Commission's concerns. This proposal requires further investigation before the Commission reaches any conclusion as to the next steps.
The Commission sent a statement of objections to the parties in September 2009, to which the parties replied in December 2009. The Commission is currently considering their reply and additional evidence in the case. The investigation is continuing.
The Commission is continuing its parallel investigations into the proposed cooperation between four Star Alliance members (Lufthansa, Continental, United and Air Canada) and that between SkyTeam members. (L.C./transl.rt)