Competition Law Seminar on Enforcement vs the Policy Goal of an International Aviation Hub

On 18 July 2023, the Institute hosted a guest seminar by Professor Jae Woon (June) Lee, LLM (Air & Space Law) ’05, of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Titled "Competition Law Enforcement vs The Policy Goal of an International Aviation Hub," the seminar provided a detailed examination of the complex interplay between the enforcement of competition law and the strategic goal of creating an international aviation hub. Professor Lee underscored this intricate nexus by reviewing case studies from Singapore, Korea, and Hong Kong, showcasing the convergence and divergence of competition law, aviation law, and economic policy goals. The seminar concluded with a lively discussion on the crossroads of competition and aviation laws and the different manifestations of this relationship as various countries aspire to establish aviation hubs and promote their 'national champion' airline. In conclusion, Professor Lee questioned the conventional wisdom that connects the development of aviation hubs to the promotion of national airlines. He highlighted that while these two policy objectives may partially overlap, the strategies to achieve these goals remain distinct.

Professor Andrea Harrington, incoming Co-Director of the Institute, introduced Professor Lee. The audience included representatives from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), two national delegations to ICAO, and Air Canada. The Institute notes with special appreciation the attendance of Michael Gill, Director of the ICAO Legal Affairs and External Relations Bureau, Miju Hyun and Sang Heon Lee from the Korean Delegation to ICAO, and Francisco Uzieda from the Chilean Delegation to ICAO.