The European Commission will carry out research into reservation systems
within the aviation sector. The providers may violate competition rules. In
particular, the links between IT service providers Amadeus and Saber on the
one hand and airlines and travel agencies on the other hand are examined.
 
According to Brussels, there are concerns about the open market for
reservation systems. Possibly certain arrangements in contracts with the
American Saber and the Spanish Amadeus lead to airlines being restricted in
their freedom of choice. As a result, consumers could ultimately be more
expensive.
 
The European Commission emphasizes that opening an investigation does not
automatically mean that those involved are guilty.

--- D'Bridge 3.99 SR33
 * Origin: AVIATION ECHO HQ (2:292/854)