Lack of ‘open skies’ is a disgrace

Sunday, 02 Jun, 2006 0

Comment by Jeremy Skidmore (www.jeremyskidmore.com)

Amid all the furore over passenger name records, it seems to have gone virtually unnoticed that an ‘open skies’ agreement between US and European airlines has been postponed – yet again.

It is an absolute disgrace that air travellers have to put up with an archaic lack of choice that is an affront to a country that claims to support the free market.

The issue over PNRs will no doubt be resolved before the threat of aircraft being grounded becomes a reality and there will be some fudge, will passengers handing over a limited amount of personal information to US authorities.

Let’s hope the claim by aviation experts that open skies will at last be implemented in time for winter schedules is not over-optimistic.

Open skies would allow any European airline to fly to any US destination. Currently only British Airways and Virgin Atlantic can fly from Heathrow to around 12 cities in the US and a limited number of US carriers can operate to the UK. Where on earth is the sense in that?

In addition, US airlines have to be 75 per cent owned by US shareholders, a rule that just encourages mediocrity. The notion that relaxing the restrictions will create a security risk is ridiculous as it presupposes that anyone with an American passport is, by definition, a law-abiding citizen.

Abandoning these outdated laws would increase competition and consequently lead to airlines raising standards for passengers.

I often interview senior company executives and, almost without fail, they complain that standards have slipped on Delta Airlines and American Airlines. This is undoubtedly because of a lack of competition and it is extraordinary that these carriers are flying the flag for a country that prides itself on having a strong service culture.

Open skies might lead to some airlines going out of business in the heat of the battle for passengers. Unfortunately, that’s life in a free market.

As well as leading to improved standards among full service carriers, open skies might also see the emergence of transatlantic no-frills airlines, for those who can bear to travel six or seven hours to the east coast with their legs forced under their chin.

Would prices come tumbling down? That’s less likely, because fares are already relatively low and the cost of fuel continues to rise.

But whatever happens, more flights and more competition in an open market can only be good for the next generation of travellers.