EU nations back deal to boost Trans-Atlantic flights
EU governments today backed a deal with the United States that should boost the number of people flying across the Atlantic by opening up restricted routes to new rivals.
In Brussels, the EU said all EU 27 nations had unanimously backed the deal, which will enter into force later than expected on March 30, 2008.
Britain had wanted another six months before opening up Heathrow, the EU’s busiest airport, to more carriers.
Only four airlines – British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines and United Airlines – currently have the right to fly from Heathrow to the US.
