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Be interesting to see what this does to LHR, BA and Europe as a whole...
European Union (EU) transport ministers have unanimously backed an "open skies" aviation deal with the US aimed at liberalising transatlantic air travel. The deal, which has been criticised by some UK airlines, eases restrictions on travel between Europe and the US.
Supporters say open skies reform will boost competition between airlines and lead to lower air fares.
The deal will also challenge British Airways' dominance at Heathrow airport, Europe's busiest hub.
EU Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot described the deal as one of "great political and economic importance."
"The fact that everyone in the Council (of transport ministers) has been able to welcome the outcome is to be commended," he said.
The EU said consumers would see a total of up to $16bn (£8.1bn) in economic benefits as a result of the deal, as increased competition brings down air fares.
Under the open skies plan any EU-based airline will be allowed to fly from any city within the EU to any city in the US, and vice versa.
But while US airlines would gain free access to European airports, EU carriers would not be allowed the same rights on domestic routes within the US.
Paul Charles of Virgin Atlantic, said the deal did not go far enough.
"It doesn't enable full liberalisation, it doesn't open up US markets so that European and British carriers can operate from one city to another - that's where the British government should be pushing things today."
Negotiating the deal was a drawn-out, four-year process, and the breakthrough was only reached weeks ago.
Among the effects of the deal would be an increase in the number of airlines using London's busy Heathrow airport.
BA, Virgin, American Airlines and United Airlines currently dominate transatlantic services from Heathrow.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6477969.stm
European Union (EU) transport ministers have unanimously backed an "open skies" aviation deal with the US aimed at liberalising transatlantic air travel. The deal, which has been criticised by some UK airlines, eases restrictions on travel between Europe and the US.
Supporters say open skies reform will boost competition between airlines and lead to lower air fares.
The deal will also challenge British Airways' dominance at Heathrow airport, Europe's busiest hub.
EU Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot described the deal as one of "great political and economic importance."
"The fact that everyone in the Council (of transport ministers) has been able to welcome the outcome is to be commended," he said.
The EU said consumers would see a total of up to $16bn (£8.1bn) in economic benefits as a result of the deal, as increased competition brings down air fares.
Under the open skies plan any EU-based airline will be allowed to fly from any city within the EU to any city in the US, and vice versa.
But while US airlines would gain free access to European airports, EU carriers would not be allowed the same rights on domestic routes within the US.
Paul Charles of Virgin Atlantic, said the deal did not go far enough.
"It doesn't enable full liberalisation, it doesn't open up US markets so that European and British carriers can operate from one city to another - that's where the British government should be pushing things today."
Negotiating the deal was a drawn-out, four-year process, and the breakthrough was only reached weeks ago.
Among the effects of the deal would be an increase in the number of airlines using London's busy Heathrow airport.
BA, Virgin, American Airlines and United Airlines currently dominate transatlantic services from Heathrow.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6477969.stm
unlike SQ with their premium prices and service (despite recent "enhancements").
Goodbye Mexican/Canadian merry-go-rounds!
It wouldn't be to AA's advantage to allow that.
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