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American and British Airways Joint Venture Reexamined by UK Regulators

Oct. 12, 2018
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2 min read
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American and British Airways Joint Venture Reexamined by UK Regulators
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The United Kingdom's government is reexamining American Airlines and British Airways' joint venture partnership, it said Thursday.

The biggest carrier in the world teamed up with IAG carriers British Airways, Iberia, Finnair and Iberia nearly a decade ago to align schedules, pricing and capacity on six transatlantic routes. This close partnership allows the carriers to share revenue on routes that are vital to each airline's profits.

“As five of the six routes subject to commitments are from the UK, and to prepare for the time when the European Commission may no longer have responsibility for competition in the UK, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has decided to review afresh the competitive impact of the agreement in anticipation of the expiry of the commitments,” the UK regulator said.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority hopes to finish the initial investigation by March.

The probe was launched because when the airlines joined together in 2010 they made compromises to ensure they wouldn't monopolize routes like New York-London, Chicago- London and Miami-Madrid — saving airport time slots for other airlines. Those agreements made in 2010 with the EU will come to an end in 2020.

The UK's looming Brexit also played a part in the UK regulators decision since the European Commission may no longer manage competition in the UK.

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American Airlines says it's confident that the regulators will find that the JV has benefitted consumers enough to continue to operate. IAG concurs, stating that its flyers experience "significant benefits" because of the partnership.

According RTE, analysts say the investigation may affect IAG's potential buyout of budget carrier Norwegian, which just announced it carries more passengers between New York and Europe than British Airways.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.