Continental Airlines is reportedly “outraged” that British Airways has managed to buy more slots at Heathrow airport, stating that the “ruthless” carrier is “strengthening its iron grip” on the London hub.
The Financial Times reports Continental’s reaction to news that BA has bought four slots from United Airlines shortly after acquiring 16 slots from Swiss International Airlines and making other purchases in the last 18 months.
Continental reportedly stated: “British Airways has ruthlessly strengthened its iron grip on Heathrow by purchasing the limited number of slots held by distressed carriers.”
The statement went on to claim that the purchase was part of “a scheme to prevent any slots from being available to new US airline competitors should London Heathrow, the most important and most restricted airport in Europe, open to competition,” adding that “continued attempts to close Heathrow to competition should not go unnoticed”.
