Emirates Airline said the European Union should carefully consider implications of international airline alliances to ensure they do not violate antitrust rules.  Airlines have been severely affected by the global economic crisis, after years of building their international operations.  Many airlines have been developing relationships so they can cut costs and capacity.

Andrew Park, a senior Vice President at Emirates, explained that government support for consolidation in order to avoid corporate failures is increasing and alliances have become interwoven and sophisticated with enormous power.  He said “The consequences of changing alliances are not fully considered.  I would encourage policyholders to look deeply into this.”  Currently the European Union is investigating Star Alliance members Air Canada, Continental, United Airlines, and Lufthansa regarding possible anti-trust violations.