American Airlines lost EU court appeal over Delta’s landing slots

American Airlines lost a court appeal with the European Union Court of Justice on having Delta Air Lines lose the rights to two airport slots due to a lack of use.

The EU Court of Justice dismissed the argument from American Airlines (AAL) that Delta did not fulfil its obligation to use the slots regularly as is required to keep them in perpetuity. “The text of the final commitments does not establish a specific number of frequencies that should be operated by the prospective entrant to ensure effective competition,” read part of the ruling.

The carrier had given up the takeoff and landing rights at Heathrow and Philadelphia airports in order to land antitrust approval for its merger with US Airway. The European Commission then picked Delta to use the key slots.