Does anyone have any ideas about the regulatory aspects of this? To the casual observer it seems there might be issues at several levels. A de facto takeover of Air Berlin flights and slots at all german airports outside of Berlin and Dusseldorf surely raises some question about monopoly and competition. Various media reports in Germany suggest fares will increase as a result, which certainly points in this direction. The remaining airline is all the more aligned with a non european part owner, which leads back to problems with whether it is actually controlled from outside the EU. Last but not least given the well reported CAA scrutiny of Monarch finances and alleged ultimatums, does Air Berlin's more than difficult financial situation lead to the authorities taking similar action? On a positive note the much overdue decisive changes (if they are allowed) give at least some hope for the remaining employees...interesting times indeed!