Quantcast

American Airlines and British Airways agree to release slots on UK-US routes

Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
General Dynamics says G800 jet receives FAA, EASA certifications
United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
Southwest Airlines extends flight schedule through early April 2025
Cathay Pacific reaches 3,400 pilots this year, with low resignation rate of 2.9%
Qatar Airways Nears Boeing 777 Fleet-Wide Starlink Upgrade
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
50 New Routes Launching In April 2025
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
American Airlines and British Airways agree to release slots on UK-US routes
Policy
Webp received 1207910567368208
Juliette Enser Executive Director of Competition Enforcement at the CMA | Official Website

American Airlines and British Airways have taken a step towards resolving competition concerns on transatlantic flights between London and the United States. In a recent development, the airlines have agreed to grant rival carriers access to coveted slots on several major UK-US routes. This move comes after the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) completed an investigation into the Atlantic Joint Business Agreement (AJBA), an alliance between IAG’s British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, American Airlines, and Finnair.

Juliette Enser, Executive Director of Competition Enforcement at the CMA, highlighted the potential benefits of airline alliances. She stated, "Airline alliances can deliver broader economic benefits, such as enhanced connectivity and new services. But the CMA has concerns about the AJBA’s impact on key UK-US routes." She further explained, "Accepting these commitments could address those concerns and protect passengers on the routes, including by making it easier for other airlines to compete, and bring our investigation to a close while allowing the AJBA to continue to operate."

To address CMA’s concerns, American Airlines and British Airways will make available slot pairs on three significant UK-US routes. These include slots at Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW) for up to seven nonstop weekly flights to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Miami International Airport (MIA), and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The availability of slots at LHR and LGW is limited, making this decision consequential for other airlines seeking to enter the market. Presently, the Delta and Virgin Atlantic joint venture and JetBlue Airways offer services on the London-Boston route, while Delta, Virgin Atlantic, and Norse Atlantic Airways compete on the London-Miami and London-Chicago routes without the use of interim measures.

This strategy aims to bolster competition, with the CMA stating: "The release of slots facilitating a nonstop competitor service on London – Boston would address the competition concerns it has identified in respect of that route. In particular, this will enable an additional nonstop competitor service to operate compared to a scenario where no remedy slots are available.” The CMA anticipates that the new commitments will prompt rival airlines to utilize year-round nonstop services.

On the London-Chicago route, the CMA noted: “The ABJ [American Airlines and British Airways – ed. note] has maintained a strong position in the Premium and Non-premium markets, though its market power has been constrained by United. In this context, the CMA provisionally considers that the slot remedies proposed, which are intended to facilitate new entry, will ensure that there is a sufficient competitive constraint to the AJB on the London – Chicago route.”

The CMA is currently consulting on the commitments offered by the airlines, marking a significant step in addressing competition issues on the transatlantic routes.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Amman — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has published a study examining the economic and employment contributions of aviation, including aviation-related tourism, to Egypt's economy.

Apr 27, 2025

In May, 46 US airports, including territories, are set to witness widebody flights.

Apr 27, 2025

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) utilizes two Pilatus PC-12 NG turboprop aircraft, named "Ernesto Alanis" and "Bobby Doherty," for swift response and operational duties along the Texas-Mexico border.

Apr 27, 2025

Virgin Atlantic operates flights from three UK airports—London Heathrow, Manchester, and Edinburgh.

Apr 27, 2025

Tecnam, an Italian aircraft manufacturer located in Capua, is a prominent producer of piston-powered general aviation aircraft.

Apr 26, 2025

Becoming a private jet pilot is a commitment that involves extensive training, exams, and significant flying experience.

Apr 26, 2025