The International Air Transport Association, a group representing the global airline workforce, is speaking out against the industry’s inability to form formal mergers, instead forced to settle for joint ventures.
Two top airline executives spoke at an IATA event this week denouncing the restrictions on airline mergers, a view reports say is shared by the majority of the industry. IAG head Willie Walsh spoke at the panel discussion arguing that “the joint venture is a poor substitute” to a merger, but it is the market’s only available option. JetBlue head David Barger also spoke on the subject, slamming international ownership restrictions for the airline market as “so out of date.”
”Allow the open market to settle the winners around the world,” Barger said.
Walsh is reportedly looking to bring the matter to the attention of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, suggesting that while competitive issues regarding joint ventures are an important topic, it may be more beneficial to discuss caps on foreign ownership.
Full content: Fight Global
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
Featured News
Judge Mehta Questions Both Sides in Landmark Google Antitrust Case
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
FCC Urges Urgent Funding for Removal of Chinese Telecom Equipment from U.S. Networks
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
Former Pioneer CEO Facing Potential Criminal Charges For Colluding With OPEC
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
South Korea’s Antitrust Regulator Greenlights K-Pop Powerhouse Deal
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
Exxon’s Pioneer Purchase Approved, Former CEO Barred from Board
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Economics of Criminal Antitrust
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Navigating Economic Expert Work in Criminal Antitrust Litigation
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
The Increased Importance of Economics in Cartel Cases
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
A Law and Economics Analysis of the Antitrust Treatment of Physician Collective Price Agreements
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Information Exchange In Criminal Antitrust Cases: How Economic Testimony Can Tip The Scales
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI