Aviation Law Prof Blog

UK Competition Tribunal Dismisses Ryanair Challenge; Commission to Proceed with Investigation into Aer Lingus Holding

The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal has dismissed Ryanair's application for a review of the UK Competition Commission's decision to investigate Ryanair's 30% stake in Aer Lingus. A short summary and pdf of the full judgment can be found here.

Spirit Hit With Class-Action Suit Over Passenger Fees

Plaintiffs allege that between 2008 and 2011 Spirit Airlines misrepresented a passenger usage fee as a government charge. This is the second lawsuit brought about by Spirit's fare policies this year. 

Russia May Bar Carriers from Complying with EU ETS

According to Air Transport World, Russia may soon join the growing list of States that have prohibited or are taking steps toward prohibiting their carriers from participating in the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme. It also appears that the ETS has given Russia an excuse to once again abandon its promises to reduce the Siberian overflight fees charged to EU carriers. The EU had hoped the issue would finally be put to rest as a condition of Russia's admission into the WTO.

IAG Considering Small Stake in AMR

IAG confirmed today that it is considering acquiring a small stake in American Airlines. American's post-bankruptcy future as a stand-alone carrier is uncertain, and while IAG is prohibited by U.S. laws from owning a majority share of the U.S. carrier, IAG may believe that such an acquisition will help keep American in the oneworld alliance regardless of a potential merger with another U.S. carrier.