Bmi has welcomed a further towards an open skies agreement between Europe and the US.
The carrier said a meeting yesterday of the EU transport council saw “further progress” but did not disclose details.
Bmi chief executive Nigel Turner said it was one step closer to achieving “genuine competition” from Heathrow to the US.
“In the coming months, member states will see the final details of the US administration’s proposed change on foreign control of US airline,” he said. “This is an historic opportunity that must now be allowed to slip away. It would enable bmi to serve the US from our main operating base at Heathrow.”
He then took a swipe at rival carriers for depriving consumers of “genuine freedom and choice.”
“They have been denied it by the carriers who have been most vocal in attempts to remove the shackles of the outdated and illegal Bermuda II agreement and who have for years enjoyed a protected position at Heathrow,” said Turner.
