More flights to Britain to be announced
Reports in today’s press suggest that an announcement is imminent from Canberra on increasing the number of direct flights to and from London.
Officials from Britain and Australia have apparently been meeting in Canberra over the past two days and are believed to have agreed to the most substantial liberalisation of air services between the two countries since 1996.
British and Australian airlines use the full quota of 28 services a week available to them on the so-called kangaroo route under the existing bilateral agreement. The Australian rights are used by Qantas while British Airways flies 14 services a week and Virgin Atlantic seven.
It is suggested the new agreement will increase the number of flights available and will give airlines the right to fly to unspecified destinations beyond Britain.
While slots at Heathrow are at a premium and will be difficult to obtain, other airports such as Gatwick and Luton are said to be on the agenda.
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