The Belgian Competition Authority (Belgische Mededingingsautoriteit / Autorité Belge de la Concurrence) yesterday approved the acquisition of Thomas Cook Airlines Belgium assets by Brussels Airlines
The concentration was assessed with regard to the market of transport of passengers on scheduled airlines and the market for the wholesale supply of airline seats to tour operators.
The College has decided that the concentration will not cause any significant restriction of competition on any of the concerned markets.
The proposed deal will result in the transfer of all 160 pilots and cabin crew, all flight slots and two aircraft from Thomas Cook Airlines to Brussels Airlines.
Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) announced today that the transfer of certain assets of Thomas Cook Airlines Belgium to Brussels Airlines is permissible. The Competition Authority’s decision permits Brussels Airlines to request the airport slots in order to definitely commence the cooperation by the end of October.
On 30th March Brussels Airlines and Thomas Cook Belgium (Neckermann, Thomas Cook and Pegase) announced the intention to substantially intensify their existing partnership, thus making Brussels Airlines the leading airline partner of the Thomas Cook travel organization in Belgium as of end of October this year. The agreement also entailed the transfer of certain assets, including 160 crew members, the airport slots and 2 aircraft of Thomas Cook Airlines Belgium.The cooperation project was subject to approval by the Competition Authorities which is now confirmed. The Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) has decided that the transfer of assets is permissible within the merger legislation.Upon endorsement of this important decision Brussels Airlines will now request transfer of airport slots. Once Brussels Airlines attains this slot portfolio, the intensified cooperation between Brussels Airlines & Thomas Cook Belgium can go into effect. It is the intention that – by the end of October, at the start of the Autumn Holidays – Brussels Airlines becomes the leading airline partner of the touroperators Neckermann, Thomas Cook and Pegase. The partnership will result in a wider offer of destinations, flight frequencies and departure days for both companies’ customers.
