Press Release: Commission publishes consultation paper on IATA passenger tariff conferences

On 8.2.01, the European Commission published a consultation paper seeking views on whether the IATA passenger tariff conferences ought to continue to enjoy an exemption from European competition rules. The Commission proposed that the current block exemption for passenger tariff conferences should be renewed until June 2002, while it considered its future policy in the sector. Tariff conferences are usually considered a clear restriction of competition in that they involve price fixing, but they can also secure a benefit for consumers in the form of interlining, (the ability to buy a single ticket for journeys involving several different airlines). The consultation paper assumes that interlining brings both economic and consumer benefits but seeks comments by 1.5.01 on whether the restrictions are necessary to secure these benefits.

• Primary Source

European Commission: DG Competition: Public consultations http://ec.europa.eu/competition/consultations/closed.html

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