BCA gives green light to launch partnership Thomas Cook Belgium and Brussels airlines

Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) has reported 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.