22 October 2009

Gatwick sale Ã¢â¬' Ã¢â¬Ëœfirst step in BAA break-upÃ¢â¬â¢

The sale of Gatwick is the first step in the break up of BAA’s airport monopoly, according to Ryanair.

The budget airline giant said the move would help restore competition and customer service to the airport sector in London.

Ryanair was yesterday presenting its case to the Competition Appeal Tribunal calling for the further break up of BAA and the early sale of Stansted and one of the airport operator’s Scottish airports.

CEO Michael O’Leary said: "It is vital for the future of Britain’s air transport and tourism industries that the BAA monopoly be broken up as recommended by the Competition Commission report.

"The Competition Commission’s extensive investigation has revealed that the airport monopoly has been bad for competition and bad for consumers.

"The future of British air transport and tourism depends on the growth of low fare air travel to/from the London airports.

"Regional airports all over the UK are now lowering costs to attract more low fare routes and tourists."

by Phil Davies

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Increased fees to pay for acquisition?

Are airlines and passengers to expect yet higher airport fees to reimburse the new owners for their investment? Hopefully they will improve rail links with London, too. Hopefully the London websites will continue to co-exist at the same URL for the convenience of passengers.

By J Hewson, Thursday, October 22, 2009