The European Commission (EC) has given the go-ahead for a codesharing alliance between British Airways and SN Brussels, although the two may have to give up some slots to new entrants.
The EC says the alliance "will be beneficial for consumers in particular, by giving SN's passengers access to BA's long-haul network". The EC also notes that BA passengers will gain access to SN's African routes.
On the Brussels-Manchester route, the only one where the two airlines have 100% market share, both carriers have agreed to give up slots if they are not available through the normal allocation process. "There are capacity constraints at Brussels National Airport at peak-time periods, which could prejudice a new entrant's ability to enter this market," the EC notes. BA and SN currently operate seven daily flights, while new entrants will be able to obtain three rotations.
On the key London-Brussels route, the EC notes that the alliance will still face competition from bmi british midland and the Eurostar high-speed train service, while regional operator VLM serves London City on a codeshare basis with Virgin Express.
Source: Airline Business
