The European Commission has approved under EU competition law on Tuesday 12 February the proposed acquisition of joint-control over Virgin Atlantic by Air France-KLM, Delta and the Virgin Group.
This transaction, notified on 8 January, concerns the joint control by the three entities concerned of 31% joint-controlling interest in Virgin Atlantic Limited.
In its analysis, the Commission focused on the impact of the operation on the air transport of passengers and cargo transport services and maintenance, repair and overhaul services.
As regards passenger air transport, despite overlaps on flights from the European Union, the Commission considered that the operation would not raise competition concerns in the European Economic Area (EEA) and would not have negative repercussions for passengers. The absence of competition concerns in the EEA was also found for air cargo transport and maintenance, repair and overhaul services.
In view of these considerations, the institution has therefore decided to give the project the green light. (Original version in French by Lucas Tripoteau)