UK trade and industry secretary Stephen Byers has approved the acquisition of CityFlyer Express by British Airways. He has, however, imposed a tougher cap on the number of take-off and landing positions BA can control at London Gatwick Airport, where the carriers are the two biggest slot holders.
As expected, Byers has ruled that BA must comply with a 65% limit on its holding of available slots at Gatwick in any 1h period.
He has also decided that the UK flag carrier can control only 60% of slots in any 2h period - although the ruling applies only to future expansion. BA will be allowed to retain slots where it already exceeds the caps.
Byers once again ruled out an overall cap on BA's slot holding, saying that this might "unduly restrict" its hub operation at Gatwick. He says the limits should stop BA from expanding its slot holding during the morning and evening peak, while allowing it "a limited opportunity" to expand at the lunchtime peak.
BA must respond to the ruling by 8 November, but has said that the undertakings and timescales "seem likely to be acceptable". Chief executive Bob Ayling is "delighted" that the requirements do not include slot surrenders.
Source: Flight International
