Press Release: Antitrust: Commission market tests commitments from Star alliance members Lufthansa, United and Air Canada concerning transatlantic cooperation

The European Commission has invited interested parties to comment on commitments proposed by Lufthansa, United and Air Canada to address competition concerns about their transatlantic cooperation. The Commission has concerns that this cooperation may harm premium passengers on the Frankfurt-New York route because it could result in higher prices, in breach of EU antitrust rules.

The parties have offered to make landing and take-off slots available at Frankfurt and/or New York to facilitate the entry of competitors on this route. The parties are also prepared to enter into fare combinability and special pro-rate agreements with competitors to enable them to offer tickets on their flights and facilitate access to connecting traffic. If the market test confirms that the proposed commitments remedy the competition concerns, the Commission may adopt a decision under Article 9 of Regulation 1/2003, making the commitments legally binding on the parties.

• Primary Source