Chile: LATAM Airlines holds firm on Joint Venture plans

LATAM Airlines insisted last week on the potential benefits of striking joint operating agreements with American Airlines and the IAG group, which includes British Airways and Iberia, highlighting the potential windfall it would bring to passengers and the country as a whole.

Airline spokesmen emphasized the trend seen the global air transport industry towards a greater use of JBA (Joint Business Agreements). The airline’s proposal has faced opposition from tourist industry groups over possible concentration on some international routes. Likewise, the Chilean competition authority, the National Economic Prosecutor (FNE) declared itself opposed to the plan.

Ignacio Cueto, Chairman of the Board at LATAM, insisted that their case is solid “and we have committed ourselves with strong measures … As a country we can not pass up this opportunity.” Both JBAs have already been approved in Colombia and Uruguay, while Brazil has given the go-ahead to the agreement with IAG, although with some restrictions.

Full Content: EL Mostrador

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