Branson fears BA and AA merger

[NM]

From news.com.au:

SIR Richard Branson said a proposed tie-up of British Airways and American Airlines would threaten the survival of Virgin Atlantic.

The proposed merger of the North Atlantic operations "will be absolutely disastrous" for consumers, travel agents and the industry, he said.

 

[docjames]

I thought SRB was a bit light for airtime this week.

 

[oz_mark]

Calling it a merger seems a bit strong....

 

[codash1099]

I think he really means it would be disastrous for Virgin

 

[samh004]

I think he really means it would be disastrous for Virgin

Which is Apparently what he said, before tacking on that it'd also be bad for consumers, travel agents and the industry.

I don't think it'd be that bad for everyone else, plus it might result in some savings for BA/AA in terms of maintenance and such, depending on what they share etc.

Too bad for Virgin, but they're not that flash anyway. IMHO.

 

[JohnK]

I thought SRB was a bit light for airtime this week.

He loves to be in the spotlight quite a lot. It is probably a bit too much to expect someone in his position to make sense all the time.

Isn't the North Atlantic served by other carriers as well? I am not even convinced that the BA, AA, IB deal will go ahead anytime soon and even if it did there is no point worrying as Virgin Atlantic would more than likely not be severely disadvantaged.

 

[pblackm]

As BA and AA both service the Transatlantic route, the only additional seats gained from the deal might be those from Iberia? I don't see the the threat as being a real issue.