Through a recent statement, the Civil Aviation Authority has joined hands with the group that has been demanding that BAA should sell off about three of the seven airports owned by the firm.
At the outset, it is to be noted that several airlines have backed the preliminary report issued by the Competition Commission, which concluded that the Spanish-owned regulator is enjoying an unhealthy monopoly on airports located across the southeast region of England.
In response to the report, BAA has recently said that it was keenly looking for a buyer for Gatwick Airport. However, it has not given any heed to the calls by the commission directing the airport owner to sell off another London airport in addition to one in Scotland.
Exploring the issue closely so far, the CAA has now come out firmly to support the report issued by the commission, clearly echoing its warning that the dominance exercised by BAA is certainly hindering the competition in the region besides delaying investments towards the development of the said facilities.
CAA has strongly insisted in this regard that selling off two London airports and a Scottish base would certainly come to the "benefit of passengers, airlines and the wider UK economy.â CAA has further added that the case for break-up is actually "stronger than currently argued by the Competition Commission".
CAA has also stated that it would certainly welcome BAA"s pledge to sell Gatwick Airport. However, it has insisted that this move is only the initial step.
