EC gives approval to airline takeover

Published on 31/03/2012 00:06

The controversial takeover of UK airline Bmi by British Airways’ parent company was approved by the European Commission yesterday.

In return for Brussels’ agreement, BA’s owners, International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG), must give up 14 pairs of daily take-off and landing slots at Heathrow as a contribution to boost competition in the sector.

IAG must also commit to carry connecting passengers to feed the long-haul flights of competing airlines out of London Heathrow.

With IAG’s agreement to the conditions, said a European Commission statement, the takeover “would not raise competition concerns”.

European Commissioner for competition policy Joaquin Almunia said: “The commitments package includes an appropriate number of very sought-after slots at London Heathrow as well as far-reaching feeder arrangements as regards connecting passengers. We are satisfied that the competitive dynamics will be maintained.”