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Sunwing CEO says Transat takeover vital to fend off foreign airlines

Sunwing CEO says Transat takeover vital to fend off foreign airlines

Sunwing CEO says Transat takeover vital to fend off foreign airlines
Jan 22, 2021 1 min, 28 secs

'Unless we want Canada completely controlled by foreign carriers, we have to allow this,' Stephen Hunter, chief executive officer of Sunwing, said by phone.

Air Canada’s (AC-T) proposed takeover of smaller rival Transat AT Inc.

4 airlines will be good for the domestic aviation industry, bolstering the global clout of Canada’s flag carrier amid heightened competition with foreign airlines, says Stephen Hunter, chief executive officer of Sunwing, a Toronto-based carrier that flies to southern sun destinations.

Hunter said he supports the deal even though Sunwing and Transat are direct rivals that sell airfare and tour packages, and the takeover would allow Air Canada to solidify its status as Canada’s dominant airline.

“Unless we want Canada completely controlled by foreign carriers, we have to allow this,” Mr.

Hunter said Sunwing has asked the government for greater access to airport gate slots in Montreal, where Air Canada-Transat would command a majority presence.

Hunter said.

Air Canada’s $180-million takeover of Transat is awaiting approval by the European Commission’s antitrust regulator and Canada’s federal cabinet.

Canada’s Competition Bureau in March criticized the takeover as bad for consumer choice, noting the combined companies would command 60 per cent of transatlantic travel from Canada and reduced competition or a monopoly on 83 routes between Canada and Europe, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, Florida and South America.

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Welcome to The Globe and Mail’s comment community.

This is a space where subscribers can engage with each other and Globe staff.

Welcome to The Globe and Mail’s comment community.

This is a space where subscribers can engage with each other and Globe staff.

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