The transport sector provides key services in the logistics chain that are complementary to the flow of goods and people between countries, withoutwhich international trade and commerce would not be possible. Airline operations are a key part of the transport sector, affecting both people and firms through the carriage of passengers and freight. The performance of airline markets has such a profound impact on domestic and global welfare that their regulation merits separate academic, practical and policy consideration. This paper argues that it is essential to progress to an integrated international policy position on promoting competition in transport markets, considering the role of the airline industry in the global economy, recent dynamic developments in the sector, and then discussion of regulatory errors. Possible transitional paths are then discussed before conclusions are drawn and suggestions made as to how, when and by whom an agenda for a truly international transport competition policy framework can be developed. For the covering abstract see ITRD E141216.
Samenvatting