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The leading Oneworld member, American Airlines, might also be a logical partner, except that the US restricts foreign ownership of airlines, as do many countries.
Mr Walsh acknowledged the difficulties but said he was confident ownership restrictions would be eased. There was also scope to get around them, he said, as BA had learnt during failed merger talks with Australia’s Qantas in 2008.
“One of the benefits we have from the discussions we had with Qantas is we realised these are complex discussions but you can put structures in place that comply with the foreign ownership requirements,” he said. “Our view is, over time, these barriers will be removed and it’s only a question of when.”
The leading Oneworld member, American Airlines, might also be a logical partner, except that the US restricts foreign ownership of airlines, as do many countries.
Mr Walsh acknowledged the difficulties but said he was confident ownership restrictions would be eased. There was also scope to get around them, he said, as BA had learnt during failed merger talks with Australia’s Qantas in 2008.
“One of the benefits we have from the discussions we had with Qantas is we realised these are complex discussions but you can put structures in place that comply with the foreign ownership requirements,” he said. “Our view is, over time, these barriers will be removed and it’s only a question of when.”
