EC May Not See Amadeus Owners As 'Parent Carriers'

The European Commission may not consider the airline owners of Amadeus to be "parent carriers," according to a July 7 letter sent by an EC official to Sabre Holdings. The definition is important because it relates to the ongoing review of global distribution system regulations in Europe--parts of which some industry advocates have said need to remain in place because of the potential for its airline shareholders to favor Amadeus in marketplace decisions.