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03/07/2006
OFT launches study into UK airports
The Office of Fair Trading has announced that it is to study the UK airports market in order to see if it works well for consumers.
The decision comes after the announcement that Spanish company Ferrovial has bought over the UK's main airports operator, BAA.
The OFT said that the decision reflected the importance of airports to consumers and businesses within the UK.
Nearly two thirds of UK air passengers begin or end their journey at BAA airports, which include Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Glasgow. Within the London area this rises to nine out of ten passengers and, in Scotland, over eight out of ten air passengers fly from a BAA airport.
UK airports are also important to the UK economy - BAA's latest turnover figures for UK airports were £1.7 billion for 2005/06, which is higher than the previous year's figure of £1.64 billion. Its profits for the last reporting period were £660 million.
The OFT said that it had not reached a decision on whether a reference for a more in-depth investigation by the Competition Commission is warranted.
OFT Chief Executive John Fingleton said: "Greater competition between airlines over the past decade has led to wider choice for air travellers and lower fares. We now think it is time to explore the potential for greater competition within the airport industry as this could ultimately yield significant benefits in terms of timely and adequate investment in UK airports, a better value service to the UK travelling public as well as potentially relieving the industry - and ultimately its customers - of the costs of regulation that may be disproportionate."
(KMcA/SP)
The decision comes after the announcement that Spanish company Ferrovial has bought over the UK's main airports operator, BAA.
The OFT said that the decision reflected the importance of airports to consumers and businesses within the UK.
Nearly two thirds of UK air passengers begin or end their journey at BAA airports, which include Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Glasgow. Within the London area this rises to nine out of ten passengers and, in Scotland, over eight out of ten air passengers fly from a BAA airport.
UK airports are also important to the UK economy - BAA's latest turnover figures for UK airports were £1.7 billion for 2005/06, which is higher than the previous year's figure of £1.64 billion. Its profits for the last reporting period were £660 million.
The OFT said that it had not reached a decision on whether a reference for a more in-depth investigation by the Competition Commission is warranted.
OFT Chief Executive John Fingleton said: "Greater competition between airlines over the past decade has led to wider choice for air travellers and lower fares. We now think it is time to explore the potential for greater competition within the airport industry as this could ultimately yield significant benefits in terms of timely and adequate investment in UK airports, a better value service to the UK travelling public as well as potentially relieving the industry - and ultimately its customers - of the costs of regulation that may be disproportionate."
(KMcA/SP)
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18 December 2007
Longer Haul Routes Perform The Strongest At BAA Airports
The BAA November Traffic Figures has shown that among the key markets, it was the longer haul routes that performed the strongest. North Atlantic traffic was up by 5.9%, helped by a rise in UK and European originating traffic encouraged by the weaker dollar, while other long haul routes recorded a collective increase of 7%.
Longer Haul Routes Perform The Strongest At BAA Airports
The BAA November Traffic Figures has shown that among the key markets, it was the longer haul routes that performed the strongest. North Atlantic traffic was up by 5.9%, helped by a rise in UK and European originating traffic encouraged by the weaker dollar, while other long haul routes recorded a collective increase of 7%.
01 November 2005
BAA changes to cost 700 jobs
BAA has announced that 700 jobs are to go as part of a reorganisation programme. The cuts, which would focus on back office staff and management, are expected to result in savings of £45 million, the airports operator said. The announcement came as BAA reported an increase of 9.6% in first-half operating profits, rising to £412 million.
BAA changes to cost 700 jobs
BAA has announced that 700 jobs are to go as part of a reorganisation programme. The cuts, which would focus on back office staff and management, are expected to result in savings of £45 million, the airports operator said. The announcement came as BAA reported an increase of 9.6% in first-half operating profits, rising to £412 million.
25 April 2005
Rise in passengers at UK airports
UK airports handled 217 million passengers last year, a report by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has found – an increase of over 8% on 2003 figures. There were also over one million air transport movements (landings and take-offs of commercial aircraft) at London’s airports for the first time.
Rise in passengers at UK airports
UK airports handled 217 million passengers last year, a report by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has found – an increase of over 8% on 2003 figures. There were also over one million air transport movements (landings and take-offs of commercial aircraft) at London’s airports for the first time.
19 March 2009
CC Orders BAA To Sell Two Airports
The Competition Commission (CC) has ordered BAA to sell both Gatwick and Stansted as well as either Edinburgh or Glasgow. In its final report on BAA's ownership of seven UK airports, the CC also stipulates that BAA must sell all three airports within two years.
CC Orders BAA To Sell Two Airports
The Competition Commission (CC) has ordered BAA to sell both Gatwick and Stansted as well as either Edinburgh or Glasgow. In its final report on BAA's ownership of seven UK airports, the CC also stipulates that BAA must sell all three airports within two years.
17 December 2008
BAA Told To Sell Three Airports
The Competition Commission (CC) has confirmed that, subject to final consultation, it will require BAA to sell both Gatwick and Stansted airports as well as Edinburgh airport.
BAA Told To Sell Three Airports
The Competition Commission (CC) has confirmed that, subject to final consultation, it will require BAA to sell both Gatwick and Stansted airports as well as Edinburgh airport.
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