The European Commission has launched an in-depth investigation into KLM’s plans to take over the remaining 50% stake in charter airliner Martinair that it does not already own.

The EC said it has doubts in particular about passenger flights between Amsterdam and the Dutch Antilles.
‘At a time of consolidation in the European airline sector, the Commission must make sure that consumers have a competitive choice of airline services,’ competition commissioner Neelie Kroes said in a statement.
KLM wants to buy the 50% in Martinair from transport group Maersk.