CC says BAA could sell airports in 2009

LONDON (Reuters) - Airports operator BAA could sell three airports including two in London during 2009, Chairman of the Competition Commission inquiry into the company Christopher Clarke told reporters.

"The precise timing will be conditioned by a programme consultation," he said, but added that six months after the Commission's final report is due in March 2009 was a reasonable timeframe.

"During the privatisation process whole industries were sold in a relatively short space of time - and that was far more complex than three airports. It's not complicated, " he added.

The Competition Commission said earlier on Wednesday that BAA, owned by Spain's Ferrovial, should sell three airports as its monopoly was affecting airlines and passengers.

(Reporting by John Bowker)