British Airways urges US authorities to strengthen competition on trans-Atlantic flights

British Airways CEO, Willie Walsh urged (14-Oct-2009) US authorities to strengthen competition on trans-Atlantic services. Mr Walsh called for parity among trans-Atlantic global alliances by "granting oneworld antitrust immunity that its rival alliances, Star Alliance and SkyTeam, already enjoy". Mr Walsh also dismissed claims that access for new competitors to London Heathrow was restricted. [more]

British Airways: "If approved, this agreement will bring substantial benefits to US-EU customers by offering an expanded route network, improved schedules and connectivity, greater access to discounted fares, fully reciprocal frequent flyer programmes and integrated corporate deals. Above all, it will provide customers with choice. 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," Willie Walsh, CEO. Source: British Airways, 14-Oct-2009.