Commission accepts commitments from BA, AA and Iberia and clears BA and Iberia merger

The European Commission ("Commission") has given the green light to the transatlantic joint venture between British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia, subject to legally binding commitments. A key condition is that take-off and landing slots at London Heathrow (or Gatwick) airport will be made available for transatlantic flights, which the Commission believes will result in additional services from competing operators and benefit consumers. At the same time, the Commission announced its decision to clear the proposed merger of British Airways and Iberia, noting that the combined entity will continue to face competition from a number of competitors for both air passenger and cargo transport.