Code sharing pact between Jet, Kingfisher under CCI scanner

The proposed code-sharing agreement between private airlines Jet Airways and Kingfisher has come under the lens of Competition Commission as a complaint has been filed with the competition watchdog saying the pact could lead to formation of cartel.

The proposed code-sharing agreement between private airlines Jet Airways and Kingfisher has come under the lens of Competition Commission as a complaint has been filed with the competition watchdog saying the pact could lead to formation of cartel.

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A frequent flier, whose name the CCI refused to divulge, has filed a case with the Competition Commission of India
against the proposed agreement.

The complainant said if such an agreement was inked then the two airlines would dominate the market leading to cartel
formation.

"We have received a complaint from an individual against the code-sharing agreement between Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines. According to the complainant this could (result in) an abuse of dominance as the two would control market share of close to 60 per cent," a senior CCI official told PTI.

When contacted, a Jet Airways' official said they have recently received a letter from the CCI requesting information
relating to the proposed co-operative arrangements between the company and Kingfisher.

"The information is being collected and will be submitted to the Commission as soon as it is ready," Jet Executive
Director Saroj Datta said in e-mail reply.

Kingfisher Airways, however, declined to comment.

The case is before the Director General, the CCI official said, adding "outcome of the investigation could be expected in a month or so".