Memo: Antitrust: Commission opens formal proceedings against certain members of Star and oneworld airline alliances

The European Commission decided to open two formal antitrust proceedings in relation to cooperation between certain airlines on transatlantic routes. The first investigation concerns both existing and planned cooperation between four current or prospective members of the Star Alliance – Air Canada, Continental, Lufthansa and United. The second investigation relates to proposed cooperation between three members of the oneworld alliance – American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia. The Commission will assess the compatibility of each of these airlines’ cooperation with European rules on restrictive business practices (Article 81 of the EC Treaty and Article 53 of the EEA Agreement).

• Primary Source