British Airways, Iberia, and American Airlines Offer Leased Slots for Transatlantic Flights

British Airways, Iberia, and American Airlines have agreed to lease four daily slot pairs on transatlantic routes from London to facilitate the European Commission's investigation into their joint business proposal. The carriers will offer two daily pairs from London Heathrow or Gatwick to Boston, one daily pair from Heathrow or Gatwick to Dallas/Fort Worth, and one daily pair from Heathrow or Gatwick to Miami. This move is in line with the European Commission's requirement for the carriers to receive financial compensation for the lease of these slots. Additionally, the airlines need anti-trust immunity from the US Department of Transportation to operate their transatlantic joint business, which they have received tentative approval for.

Key Takeaways:

• The European Commission has agreed that British Airways, Iberia, and American Airlines should receive financial compensation for leasing four daily slot pairs for transatlantic flights.
• The carriers have offered to lease two daily pairs from London Heathrow or Gatwick to Boston, one daily pair from Heathrow or Gatwick to Dallas/Fort Worth, and one daily pair from Heathrow or Gatwick to Miami.
• The airlines need anti-trust immunity from the US Department of Transportation to operate their transatlantic joint business and have received tentative approval in a show cause order published on February 13.
• The carriers are offering to lease the slots to allow non-oneworld member airlines to operate new services on the routes.
• The European Commission's investigation into the carriers' joint business proposal is ongoing.

Statistics:

• Four daily slot pairs will be made available for lease.
• Two daily pairs will be from London Heathrow or Gatwick to Boston.
• One daily pair will be from London Heathrow or Gatwick to Dallas/Fort Worth.
• One daily pair will be from London Heathrow or Gatwick to Miami.
• Financial compensation will be received for the lease of these slots.
• The US Department of Transportation has granted tentative approval for anti-trust immunity.

Sources:

• AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION via COMTEX
• M2 COMMUNICATIONS