Will British Airways Be Forced To Give Up Heathrow Slots?
British Airways has fought tooth and nail for years to keep its priceless runway slots at Heathrow but it seems that the US regulators looking at the proposed tie-up with American Airlines and Iberia are looking for major concessions. While they have British Airways over a barrel to some extent the rumoured demand for up to 10 Heathrow slots a day is something which British Airways is unlikely to hand over. Why should they?
Even though this is all just rumour at the moment it is well known that the US authorities have been trying to get their hands on Heathrow runway slots for many years but to no avail. Willie Walsh, the chief exec of British Airways, has questioned why they should be expected to give up any slots and the rationale behind the idea. However, those close to the talks suggest that the US authorities will continue to play hard ball as they did just a few years ago when they blocked such an alliance.
Those familiar with the airline industry will know that Heathrow is the busiest airport in the world and central to the whole industry. Increased exposure to this travel route would be priceless to the recipient of the runway slots.
Share this..
Related stories
Brits should expect lower incomes regardless of election result
28/04/2015 UK households should prepare themselves for lower incomes, no matter who wins the election, according to the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS). Tax and benefit changes are set to leave the average household worse off, according to IFS. The think thank has accused all the major political parties of misleading the public when they pledge to access money through clamping down on tax...
Read MoreIs the US car manufacturing crisis crossing to the UK?
News that Vauxhall workers have been offered the chance to take a sabbatical of up to 9 months on 30% pay has sounded the alarm bells for many car workers in the UK. The move by owner General Motors is seen as something of a knock-on effect from the US Congress vote which rejected a $14 billion bailout package for the US automotive industry at a time when the largest players are under serious pres...
Read MoreDuncan Smith plans changes to sickness benefit
25/08/2015 Iain Duncan Smith is planning cuts to sickness benefit, meaning many claimants may be forced to take up some form of work, even if it’s just for a few hours. The work and pensions secretary has claimed that the current system is too “binary” as claimants are either deemed fit or unfit for work, with no in-between. Instead, he believes Employment Support Allowance tests shoul...
Read MoreUK taxpayers hit by Post Office pension fund deficit
The UK government has today been exposed to severe criticism regarding the pension fund deficit of the UK Post Office. As we have covered in recent times, the Royal Mail is currently up for sale despite a significant backlash from many Labour MPs and opposition parties. The idea is to sell a 30% stake to Dutch giant TNT for around £3 billion and then use the expertise of TNT to rebuild and refocu...
Read MoreNew card rewards loyal Cambridge locals
A new loyalty card, believed to be the first of its kind, is to be launched by Cambridge City Council to reward the locals for their spending.Fully electronic, the card will benefit resident shoppers, diners and people using leisure facilities.'The Cambridge Card' will be introduced in May after two years in the making. It is sponsored by the Local Secrets website, which provides residents with on...
Read More