European Commission to investigate *A and OW on 'excessive' TATL 'cooperation'

[jjpb3]

I'd have thought the present dire economic environment would have given airlines a reprieve from anticompetition investigations:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8008051.stm

The European Commission has launched anti-competition investigations into seven airlines, accusing them of excessive co-operation.

Two separate probes have been started, one into the relationship between Star Alliance members Air Canada, Lufthansa, Continental and United Airlines.

The other investigation is into One World members American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia.

[scooby5]

I'd have thought the present dire economic environment would have given airlines a reprieve from anticompetition investigations:

Personally speaking, a dire economic environment is the prime time to carry out investigations to ensure companies are not colluding with each other for survival purposes. It also ensures the possible survival of airline clients that might otherwise be forced to pay higher fares in tough times.