Yes PAXBOY, you have the concept.
But, when REGULATION was in effect for the US airline industry, things were "fair".
When an airline lost money, the regulators allowed new routes and new fares to make sure the airline stayed in business.
When things got really bad, a fair merger was implemented with a healthier airline.
Small towns got very good air service for reasonable fares. Fares were adjusted on long haul routes to offset loses on short haul routes.
Slots at airports were controlled and landing and takeoff limits were controlled to make sure delays were under control ( wx aside).
In the good old days for example, small towns like Visalia, California rated regular service with B737 aircraft by United Airlines. Now the town is lucky to get small regional craft.
It might be very hard to understand in europe, but the cities of the American West are very far apart. Airline use is vital to connecting such cities.
Now, I'm not a fan of Musolinni...but he made the trains run on time.
a little regulation is good. too much and you get something you really don't want.
oh well, I'll drive when I have to. More control than flying! (in back that is)