Posted on January 14, 2008 by Fiona Hilliard

This summer international airline passengers are in for a treat as the re-routing race between US and European airlines hots up.  March sees the ‘open skies’ deal taking centre stage in travel affairs.  The most important open skies agreement comes into play on March 28, when the United States and the European Community will allow airlines more freedom to choose routes without bureaucratic interference. 

Currently, four major US airlines-Delta, Continental, Northwest and US Airways are barred from flying into London’s Heathrow Airport.  When open skies begins, they’ll be taking full advantage of the new ‘laissez faire’ agreement.
Meanwhile UK airline, British Airways has announced its plans to launch its US-EU airline ‘Open Skies’, which will offer daily flights from New York to Brussels and Paris in June.  British Airways plans to operate six 757 by the end of 2009.  The airline is registered in the UK and is due to file an application for the necessary approval in the UK and the US. 

Changes are imminent across the Pacific too.  Australia and the United States are planning to negotiate about open skies next month.  The result is likely to be more flights and lower fares to the US and Australia .