Change in the air

Abstract

Outlines the challenges to airlines arising from liberalisation of European air transport and the breakdown of government-backed cartel systems. The author considers the likelihood of mergers and takeovers resulting in a return to regional monopolies dependent upon intra-industry control, although the European Commission has ruled that majority ownership and effective control must be in the hands of European Community citizens. Finally, the article discusses the potential implications of globalism within industrial structures, and the increasing importance of supra-national airlines. -P.Hardiman