British Airways calls for 'more competition' on transatlantic flights

British Airways has called for more competition on flights between Europe and the US, something that can be achieved if anti-trust immunity is granted to the oneworld alliance, the airline claimed.

In a speech to the International Aviation Club in Washington DC, British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh said that oneworld, which also includes American Airlines, Iberia and Qantas among its members, should be given anti-trust immunity to enable it to compete with the Star Alliance and Skyteam groups.

He said that a closer alliance between oneworld airlines will benefit customers by providing a more extensive route network, improved schedules, better connectivity and greater access to discounted fares.

Mr Walsh added: "The Star and Skyteam alliances already operate across the Atlantic with the benefit of anti-trust immunity. But surely a market of 800 million potential consumers deserves a choice of more than two network providers.

"If Star and Skyteam remain the only immunised alliances across the Atlantic, we could end up with an untouchable duopoly. I do not believe that customers would want that."

Virgin Atlantic has been one of the most vocal opponents to the proposed alliance between British Airways and American Airlines, claiming that it would reduce competition on all six of the US routes that the carriers currently operate from Heathrow Airport.

Posted by Kate, 15 October 2009 16:27

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