Following the Brussels Airlines and Lufthansa deal, the European Commission has conducted an in-depth investigation. Main issue: would the deal lead to an actual near monopoly on some routes?

The investigation confirmed that the transaction would have raised competition concerns on the routes from Brussels to Hamburg,  Munich, Frankfurt and Zurich. To soothe the EC concerns, Lufthansa has agreed to sell airport slots to other airlines.

Lufthansa proposes a “package deal”, with the actual slots and the routes, long-term rights and the possibility to link up with other Lufthansa flights and its frequent flyer program. EU spokesman John Todd said that these conditions "would tempt other airlines to start up new routes".

Considering the packages that are being proposed, it is almost sure that the slots will be scooped up by another member of  Star Alliance. We are professionals, so we try not to be too naïve: it is quite sure that an off the record agreement between Lufthansa and a fellow member of Star Alliance is already negotiated, finalized and just waiting for the signature. Let us just wait and see if we are right.

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