GB Heathrow slots to go to BA, Continental and Qantas
The Financial Times reports that the battle for take off and landing slots at LHR intensified yesterday, as a small number of coveted slot pairs became available as a result of the easyJet takeover of GB Airways.
GB Airways' four pairs of slots at Heathrow were not included as part of the takeover deal, and are being sold separately in three different deals. The newspaper says that deals for the slots are not finalised yet, but it is understood that two are to be acquired by Continental Airlines, one by British Airways and one by Qatar Airways.
Heathrow slots trade in a grey market and often exchange hands for more than £5m for a pair of slots depending on the timing of the arrival and departure. It is understood that prime peak hour slot pairs have traded for up to £12m.