Consolidation in the European airline industry will limit competition and harm European consumers, according to a joint statement organised by ECTAA and representing consumers, passengers, travel intermediaries and technology as well as airports on the need of a competitive European airline market.
According to the statement, the US airline market serves as an example of the negative effects of consolidation, such as higher prices and lower quality services. The latest consolidation in Europe is a move by Air France and KLM to become part owners of SAS.
It says the European Commission should carefully consider the potential anti-competitive effects of mergers and take necessary actions to protect consumers and notes that the European air travel market has been successful due to liberalisation and competition among airlines.
“Remedies or considering mergers as incompatible with the common market may be necessary in some cases. The Commission shall not shy away from using the tools at its disposal, including considering such mergers as incompatible with the common market or demanding significant remedies.
