Brussels, 28/02/2003 (Agence Europe) - In an interview with Belgian newspaper La Libre Belgique on 21 February, Commissioner Monti said that he was preparing to authorise the agreement between SN Brussels Airlines and British Airways in the next few weeks. He said the alliance would not have a negative impact on the main Brussels to London route, where there are two hefty competitors, Eurostar and British Midland. Moreover, Virgin Express (which had withdrawn from the route) has announced it will be operating Brussels - London flights again in March in cooperation with VLM. Monti said there was a danger to competition on the Brussels Manchester route because of the companies' virtual monopoly and the problems for other companies to be granted slots, but said both companies had pledged to free up various time slots. Mario Monti said he tended to favour alliances between airlines since the reduction in costs is meant to result in lower passenger prices and better connections for small and medium sized companies.