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24-Nov-2014 4:11 PM

AEA: Europe should remain committed to liberalising global ownership and control rules

Association of European Airlines CEO Athar Husain Khan, speaking at the CAPA World Aviation Summit, said (21-Nov-2014) Europe should remain committed to liberalising global ownership and control rules. Mr Khan said liberalised ownership and control is a key part of the functioning of the EU internal market. Mr Khan sees no need to increase the allowable foreign ownership of European carriers beyond 49% without reciprocity from the rest of the world. IAG CEO Willie Walsh said he sees no need or reason for restrictions on ownership in the industry. Mr Walsh said consolidation forms part of the solution to unprofitability in the industry, but is not the only answer. European Regions Airline Association director general Simon McNamara called for clarity in defining 'control' in the ownership and control debate. Lufthansa SVP head of corporate strategy Sadiq Gilani said the topic of foreign ownership is key for the health of the aviation industry. Mr Gilani sees a correlation between consolidation and profitability and said Star Alliance might be a single airline today in an environment without ownership restrictions. Aviation Strategy & Concepts MD Ulrich Schulte-Strathaus said current concepts of ownership and control in the aviation industry are outdated and do not reflect the market reality.

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