BA-AA merger may be back on the agenda
LONDON – British Airways may be re-visiting plans to merge with America Airlines.
A statement from BA last night said: “British Airways is exploring opportunities for co-operation with American Airlines and Continental Airlines.”
Although BA refused to give details of the discussions it is understood they revolve around Continental joining the oneworld Alliance, where BA and AA are the dominant members.
Sources told Telegraph Online that while it would be difficult to take discussions beyond a partnership arrangement in the current regulatory environment, BA and AA have at least one eye on discussions due to take place later this month about further liberalisation of the transatlantic market.
A source said, “This is all about BA and AA merging. They have tried to do it before and failed because of anti-trust issues. What we are now seeing is this plan resurrected.”
Regulators from both sides of the Atlantic are due to meet in Slovenia later this month to hold discussions about the second stage of the transatlantic Open Skies agreement.
The talks will centre on freeing up ownership rules of US airlines and allowing European carriers to operate domestic routes in the US. The regulators have until 2010 to reach an agreement.
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025