|
|
Article: BA and Iberia: merger positive for passengers
- Article from:
- AP Worldstream
- Article date:
- November 13, 2009
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. (Hide copyright information)
|
British Airways PLC and Spain's Iberia SA talked up the benefits of a proposed $7 billion merger on Friday, dismissing criticisms that the deal could increase fares, reduce competition and drag down service standards at Britain's flagship carrier.
The agreement ends more than a year of talks between BA and Iberia aimed at finding a way for the two loss-making carriers to share resources amid slumping demand for air travel.
But while they argued that combining BA's North American routes with Iberia's Latin America services would be good for shareholders and travelers alike, there were questions about BA's growing dominance given its also waiting for the green light on a tie-up ...