I wouldnt be surprised id the big US airlines were haveing a word in the ear o the US administration. If I were DL's CEO, and I had just bet the future of the airline on International exoansion I'd be absolutley horrified. I could kiss profits from international goodbye! The same goes for CO, NW, AA, et al.
The worst part is that its not the relatively small Irish market thats at stake here but also the whole european market.
And do remember ladies and gentlemen the EI is the fourth largest slot holder at LHR....now if it were to use most(if not all) of them for Long Haul...that doesnt even bear thinking about as far as US airlines(and BA/bmi) are concerned. Remember even in its present state EI has a cost base far lower than most. Being able to hold your own against FR says enough.
So perhaps Open Skies will be delayed quite a bit......