United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Major breakthrough claimed in transatlantic open skies talks
“Decisive progress” has been made in long-running transatlantic open skies talks between the European Union and US.
The claim came from EU transport commissioner Jacques Barrot following the latest round of negotiations.
If approved by ministers on March 22, the new regime could be in place by the end of October.
It would allow Heathrow to be opened up to competition on routes to the US in place of the current long-standing arrangement which limits two carriers from each nation to fly the North Atlantic – British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines and United.
The major beneficiary of a loosening of the rules would be Bmi which has spent years lobbying to start US flights from the London hub, where it is the second largest holder of take off and landing slots.
Runway and terminal restrictions at the airport could restrict major transatlantic flight expansion but an open skies deal is sure to intensify competition to British Airways from its ‘fortress Heathrow’ base.
BA reportedly attacked the deal, reputedly designed to open up the £9 billion transatlantic airline market, saying: “We do not believe this is a good deal for for Europe or the UK. We have reached a deal-end rather than a pathway to a true open aviation area.”
James May, CEO of US-based Air Transport Association, whose members represent 90% of all US airline passenger and cargo traffic, said: “While we have not seen the details, this tentative agreement has the potential for creating new avanues of economic development between the US and Europe.
“We are pleased that the parties were able to work through the issues to reach this result. We all look forward to developing a more complete understanding of what is envisioned.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
Walt Leger on New Orleans’ Resilience and Major Events Ahead
Cindy Mackin Shares Estes Park’s Winter Thrills
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Report: Cruise guest died after ship lashed in heavy storm
British teen in serious condition after paraglider collision
JetBlue scraps London Gatwick flights