What the Sabre-Farelogix Antitrust Trial Could Reveal About Airline Technology
Skift Take
It's notable that we had a much easier time finding experts who supported Sabre's proposed merger of Farelogix than opponents. But this court case will be decided on legal nuances, and its outcome is impossible to predict. We pity the judge who has to endure this crash course in airline technology and distribution.
The U.S. Department of Justice on Monday began arguing its antitrust lawsuit against Sabre over the travel tech company's planned $360 million acquisition of Farelogix, a technology business.
In courtroom 6B of Delaware District Court, Judge Leonard Stark has begun to hear a complicated case.
Justice Department attorneys allege Sabre is attempting to take out a rival. Sabre denies that. It counters that Farelogix belongs to a sector of tech providers of airline merchandising services and direct connections that is dynamic, with many recent entrants. Sabre also argues that it has the resources to enhance Farelogix, which would, in turn, rev up the pace of broader industry innovation.
Testimony over the next nine days promises to shed light on how Farelogix fits into the broader airline distribution landscape. It will also show whether the Justice Department has evidence that Sabre's executives had ill intent in purchasing the company. The court may suss out if airlines have onl
