Hear that Transatlantic Open Skies agreed

[mahonysherms]

Rumours floating around today indicate america has agreed to open skies, leaving U.K to make final announcement. BMI making preparations for services LHR-US. BA/AA and BMI/UA very likely too.

[non sched]

Any word on LHR slots or removing the US ownership rule for US airlines?

[LGW Vulture]

Removing US ownership rules? Don't make me laugh!! This is a US version of "Open Skies" remember?

[non sched]

Just remembered that US ownership rules were part of an earlier open skies negotiation. The rules need to change. Take a chill pill.

[spang]

Does this mean more strength for the airlines and inturn possible recruitment.

[akerosid]

Certainly good news and long awaited - a particularly welcome boost for the airlines. However, how will the EU respond to this? Surely they have been trying to prevent individual countries from concluding their own agreements.

The big losers in this, however, could turn out to be the Irish; the Irish government's Shannon stopover policy, effectively discouraging any growth in flights to the US (and preventing any scheduled services from Canada) remains in place and with virtually all major European countries having concluded open skies, this represents a major competitive disadvantage. We'll see over the next few weeks, how things pan out . . .

[mahonysherms]

Dont know about recuitment but it will certainly throw the cat amongst the pigeons at LHR. BA will almost certainly have to hand in some slots, although it is believed the number is significantly less than originally suggested (probably ties in nicely with their suggested capacity reduction anyway).
BMI seem very excited about the prospect, finally they can introduce their (impessive) business cabin to travellers from LHR. Heard they may well operate LHR-Newark, on behalf of Star Alliance, along with Chicago and washington.
The major loser here will be Virgin. Know for a fact Branson is very nervous.

[Scottie]

Heard Miami & Phoenix were on the cards?! <img src="rolleyes.gif" border="0"> <img src="rolleyes.gif" border="0">

[The Guvnor]

Have the Yanks agreed to the following:

1) Cabotage rights
2) Derived Fifth Freedom rights
3) Abolition of the Fly America policy
4) Ability to wet lease UK registered aircraft to US airlines for domestic and overseas operations?

If not, why not as these were the preconditions clearly laid down by all British parties involved?

[ShotOne]

The words "Open Skies" mean Europe's skies open to the good ol boys.

[Sonic Cruiser]

SIA have wanted to operate LHR - USA for years now, would this open the way for them????