A new package of corrective measures has been presented to obtain the green light from Brussels for the privatization of the Air Europa carrier. This is a further series of remedies proposed by the International Airlines Group (IAG), which controls various airlines including British Airways, the Spanish Iberia and Vueling, and the Irish Aer Lingus. The aim is to respond to Brussels' concerns about the possible impact on competition.

The latest remedies proposed by IAG to the technicians of the European Competition Commission, led by Margrethe Vestager, are not known. What is certain is that Brussels did not consider the previous package of corrective measures sufficient: transfer of up to 40% of Air Europa's airport slots and no routes operated exclusively by Air Europa and Iberia after the merger. The flight windows had attracted the interest of the airlines Avianca, Binter Canarias, Iberojet, Ryanair, Volotea and World2Fly.

IAG is trying to acquire 80% of Air Europa (it already holds 20%), currently in the hands of the Spanish company Globalia, for 400 million euros put on the table by its subsidiary Iberia, the Iberian flag carrier. Brussels, which took longer to decide, will have to make a definitive decision by 29 July 2024. 

On the same topic, see also the article published by AVIONEWS.