Technology body warning over BA-AA-Iberia pact
Tuesday, 06 May, 2010
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The European Commission has been alerted to concerns over customer choice and prices through a potential tie-up between British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia.
The European Technology & Travel Services Association warned of the “potential adverse consequences” to consumers from a BA, AA and Iberia alliance.
ETTSA members include Amadeus, Expedia, Sabre and Travelport.
Secretary general Tom Parker said: “The airlines are trying to allay Commission concerns about implications of their alliance.
“They’ve offered commitments to address certain competition concerns – but we believe there are unaddressed issues that could threaten consumer choice and raise prices.”
He added: “We pointed out that consumers benefit from the broad choice provided by independent travel distribution. A hallmark is unbiased information and price transparency.
“Consumers would be harmed if airlines prevent neutral and non-discriminatory access to content, and we think that, without the proper safeguards, airlines members of an alliance may be in a stronger position to do so by restricting or denying content to independent travel distributors.
“If independent travel distributors are marginalised, then consumer transparency is decreased, along with competitive constraints on airline prices.
“We ask the Commission to require British Airways, American and Iberia to commit not to apply unfair and/or discriminatory practices, that would restrict or limit the ability of independent travel distributors to access and offer the content of those members to the consumers, whether individuals or corporations.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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