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EU to vote on 'open skies' deal EU to vote on 'open skies' reform
(about 7 hours later)
European Union (EU) transport ministers are due to vote on an "open skies" aviation deal with the US aimed at boosting earnings in the industry. European Union (EU) transport ministers are due to vote on an "open skies" aviation deal with the US aimed at liberalising transatlantic air travel.
However, the deal has been criticised by a number of firms, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, as giving too much away to US airlines. The deal eases restrictions on travel between Europe and the US, but the UK is said to be seeking concessions.
The BBC understands that the UK is pushing for concessions and may oppose the deal if it fails to secure them. UK flag-carrier British Airways fears losing control of London's Heathrow airport under the new deal.
The UK wants changes to rules curbing European investment in US airlines, and has said it may vote against the deal.
Ministers are expected to vote at around midday on Thursday in Brussels.Ministers are expected to vote at around midday on Thursday in Brussels.
Tough choicesTough choices
The transatlantic airline market is worth some $18bn (£9.3bn), and the EU estimates that the "open skies" deal could add millions of passengers to transatlantic routes and bring billions of euros in economic benefits.The transatlantic airline market is worth some $18bn (£9.3bn), and the EU estimates that the "open skies" deal could add millions of passengers to transatlantic routes and bring billions of euros in economic benefits.
Securing an agreement between the US and European airlines has been a long drawn-out process, and the breakthrough was only reached weeks ago.Securing an agreement between the US and European airlines has been a long drawn-out process, and the breakthrough was only reached weeks ago.
As part of the deal, European airlines would be allowed to make transatlantic flights from any nation and not just their home country. It would also open up Heathrow so that more airlines could land and take off from the London airport. As part of the deal, European airlines would be allowed to make transatlantic flights from any nation, not just their home country. It would also open up Heathrow so that more airlines could land and take off from the London airport.
British Airways is keen to protect its runway times at Heathrow British Airways is keen to protect its slots at Heathrow
Ownership rights, which had proved controversial in earlier rounds of talks, would also be fine-tuned.Ownership rights, which had proved controversial in earlier rounds of talks, would also be fine-tuned.
However, the UK wants guarantees that Washington would follow up the initial deal with a later one that lifts limits on European airlines investing in US rivals.However, the UK wants guarantees that Washington would follow up the initial deal with a later one that lifts limits on European airlines investing in US rivals.
The US wants to be able to limit a foreign company from owning more than 25% of an American airline's voting rights.The US wants to be able to limit a foreign company from owning more than 25% of an American airline's voting rights.
The UK is also keen to put back the implementation of the deal to March 2008, with a clause that would end the deal should the US not lift investment limits by 2010.The UK is also keen to put back the implementation of the deal to March 2008, with a clause that would end the deal should the US not lift investment limits by 2010.
Should it be approved as it stands, then the "open skies" agreement would take effect in October.Should it be approved as it stands, then the "open skies" agreement would take effect in October.
While BA and Virgin have attacked the deal, which would see them give up prime landing and take-off slots at Heathrow, other airlines have welcomed it. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have attacked the deal, which would see them give up prime landing and take-off slots at Heathrow, but other airlines have welcomed it.