Flybe calls for break up of BAA after publication of competition commission report
22 April 2008
Low-cost regional airline says Ferrovial should read the writing on the wall and dispose of at least 3 airports.Flybe, Europe’s largest low-cost regional airline, this morning repeated its call for the break-up of airport operator BAA.
In its ‘emerging thinking' report into its 'BAA AIRPORTS MARKET INVESTIGATION', the Competition Commission were withering in their criticism of the Ferrovial-owned airport operator, stating that ‘common ownership adversely affect competition’.
Responding to the report, Mike Rutter, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer said:
“We have been saying for years that the BAA monopoly of airports in South East England and the Scottish lowlands is bad for the consumer and at last, the Competition Commission has come to the same conclusion. Rather than wait for the inevitable forced sell-off, we are today calling for Ferrovial to read the writing on the wall and start to divest itself of at least three airports in order to improve customer focus, allow for investment and bring real competition to aviation in the UK.”
Rutter continued: “Over the last year, Flybe have flown more than 75,000 flights from BAA/Ferrovial owned airports, so we are in a very good position to be able to comment on their lack of performance. It’s high time the sell-off began and in a spirit of cooperation, can we suggest they begin by disposing of Southampton, London Gatwick and Glasgow”