As long as they obey the rules, ie:
1) at least 51% of the ownership
and control is in the hands of UK nationals;
and
2) they employ UK/EU crews
I don't think there should be too many problems. You Yanks really do need to wake up and smell the coffee - this is a
global business, as shown by SQ's investment in VS and BA and SAir's global network of franchisees (and investments).
I have no sympathy whatsoever for the US crews of Atlas - they ahve been over here for a considerable time, stealing the bread from the mouths of UK/EU pilot's children. Let's see how
they like it when the boot's on the other foot!
Unfortunately, the Americans - for reasons best known to themselves - demand an unlevel playing field. Atlas, for example, is allowed to own 49% of a UK airline - yet AFX could not own more than 24.9%.
The US definition of 'Open Skies' means that as long as US carriers get to fly when and where they want they are happy - including cabotage and derived fifth freedom operations; yet few foreign airlines are able to attain the same level of economic benefit. The US seems to view a level playing field as one that is tilted 45 degrees in their favour!
Why is this? Could it be that US carriers are, in fact, so inward looking and poorly managed that, in fact, they find it had - of not downright impossible - to compete with foreign airlines?
Hmmmmmmm!!!!
[This message has been edited by The Guvnor (edited 10 March 2001).]