Virgin Atlantic are considering a bid alongside other airlines for Gatwick after the Competition Commission recommended the breakup of BAA's airport monopoly.
Virgin Atlantic confirmed its interest in Gatwick, saying in a statement; If the Competition Commission recommends the sale of Gatwick airport, then Virgin Atlantic would be interested in possibly bidding to run it, as part of a consortium."
The proposed bid would involve Virgin joining a consortium with other airlines to bid for Gatwick. The low cost airlines easyJet, Ryananair and Monarch are all thought to be in the frame, although this remains speculation.
In the Competition Commission's report published last month it found significant competition problems because of BAAs ownership of seven UK airports, including Gatwick, Heathrow and Stansted in the London area.
The Competition Commission has now published a further consultation document asking for views on which two of BAAs three London airports should be sold. It is very unlikely that BAA will want to give up Heathrow, so Gatwick and Stansted are the realistic candidates for sale.
Published by: Jon Clarke
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