The European Commission will carry out research into reservation systems   
   within the aviation sector. The providers may violate competition rules. In   
   particular, the links between IT service providers Amadeus and Saber on the   
   one hand and airlines and travel agencies on the other hand are examined.   
       
   According to Brussels, there are concerns about the open market for   
   reservation systems. Possibly certain arrangements in contracts with the   
   American Saber and the Spanish Amadeus lead to airlines being restricted in   
   their freedom of choice. As a result, consumers could ultimately be more   
   expensive.   
       
   The European Commission emphasizes that opening an investigation does not   
   automatically mean that those involved are guilty.   
      
   --- D'Bridge 3.99 SR33   
    * Origin: AVIATION ECHO HQ (2:292/854)