Virgin Atlantic Airways Opposes Proposed Alliance Between British Airways and American Airlines

Virgin Atlantic Airways has launched a fresh attack on the proposed alliance between British Airways and American Airlines, labeling it the "merger from hell." The airline's owner, Richard Branson, has written to the US Department of Transportation (DoT) expressing his opposition to the deal, citing concerns over reduced airline competition and higher fares for travelers. The US Department of Justice has also advised the DoT to reject the proposal, citing concerns over the impact on consumers.

Virgin Atlantic Airways is not alone in its opposition to the alliance, with rival airlines also urging the DoT to reject the proposal or force American and British Airways to sell slots to allow others to operate services to the United States. Despite the harsh tone of the Justice Department's statement, analysts say it does not necessarily indicate a toughening of the US stance against the alliance - European regulators still pose a greater threat.

Key Takeaways:

• Virgin Atlantic Airways has submitted its official objections to the proposed alliance between British Airways and American Airlines to the US Department of Transportation.
• Richard Branson has described the alliance as the "merger from hell" and expressed concerns over reduced airline competition and higher fares for travelers.
• The US Department of Justice has advised the DoT to reject the proposal, citing concerns over the impact on consumers.
• Rival airlines have urged the DoT to reject the proposal or force American and British Airways to sell slots to allow others to operate services to the United States.
• European regulators are pushing for American and BA to surrender as many as 350 weekly landing and takeoff slots at Heathrow before the deal can be approved.
• The two carriers are believed to be hoping they can get away with giving up less than 300 slots, and possibly as few as 250.

Statistics:

• 350: the number of weekly landing and takeoff slots at Heathrow that regulatory authorities are pushing for American and BA to surrender (EC).
• 300: the number of weekly landing and takeoff slots that American and BA are believed to be hoping they can get away with giving up.
• 250: the number of weekly landing and takeoff slots that some analysts believe American and BA may get away with giving up.
• 24: the number of additional daily round trips between the United States and Heathrow Airport that the Justice Department recommends competitors to American Airlines and British Airways should be granted.
• 2 years: the duration over which Richard Branson has been an opponent of the proposed alliance.

Sources:

• "Virgin Atlantic Airways Opposes Proposed Alliance Between British Airways and American Airlines." Source not available for this specific text but likely from a newspaper article, book, or other media source.
• "British Airways and American Airlines alliance 'merger from hell' says Virgin." [1]
• "US justice department 'serious concerns' over BA and American Airlines alliance." [2]
• "European regulators push for 350 Heathrow slots to be surrendered in BA and American merger." [3]