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| Version 8 | Version 9 |
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| EU backing for 'open skies' deal | EU backing for 'open skies' deal |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| European Union (EU) transport ministers have unanimously backed an "open skies" aviation deal with the US aimed at liberalising transatlantic air travel. | European Union (EU) transport ministers have unanimously backed an "open skies" aviation deal with the US aimed at liberalising transatlantic air travel. |
| The deal, which has been criticised by airlines in the UK, eases restrictions on travel between Europe and the US. | The deal, which has been criticised by airlines in the UK, eases restrictions on travel between Europe and the US. |
| Supporters say open skies reform will boost competition between airlines and lead to lower air fares. | Supporters say open skies reform will boost competition between airlines and lead to lower air fares. |
| The deal will also challenge British Airways' dominance at Heathrow airport, Europe's busiest hub. | The deal will also challenge British Airways' dominance at Heathrow airport, Europe's busiest hub. |
| EU Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot described the deal as one of "great political and economic importance." | EU Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot described the deal as one of "great political and economic importance." |
| "The fact that everyone in the Council (of transport ministers) has been able to welcome the outcome is to be commended," he said. | "The fact that everyone in the Council (of transport ministers) has been able to welcome the outcome is to be commended," he said. |
| Tough choices | Tough choices |
| The EU said consumers would see a total of up to $16bn (£8.1bn) in economic benefits as a result of the deal, as increased competition brings down air fares. | |
| Under the open skies plan any EU-based airline will be allowed to fly from any city within the EU to any city in the US, and vice versa. | |
| Q&A: Open skies deal | Q&A: Open skies deal |
| But while US airlines would gain free access to European airports, EU carriers would not be allowed the same rights on domestic routes within the US. | But while US airlines would gain free access to European airports, EU carriers would not be allowed the same rights on domestic routes within the US. |
| Paul Charles of Virgin Atlantic, said the deal did not go far enough. | Paul Charles of Virgin Atlantic, said the deal did not go far enough. |
| "It doesn't enable full liberalisation, it doesn't open up US markets so that European and British carriers can operate from one city to another - that's where the British government should be pushing things today." | "It doesn't enable full liberalisation, it doesn't open up US markets so that European and British carriers can operate from one city to another - that's where the British government should be pushing things today." |
| Negotiating the deal was a drawn-out, four-year process, and the breakthrough was only reached weeks ago. | Negotiating the deal was a drawn-out, four-year process, and the breakthrough was only reached weeks ago. |
| Among the effects of the deal would be an increase in the number of airlines using London's busy Heathrow airport. | Among the effects of the deal would be an increase in the number of airlines using London's busy Heathrow airport. |
| BA, Virgin, American Airlines and United Airlines currently dominate transatlantic services from Heathrow. | BA, Virgin, American Airlines and United Airlines currently dominate transatlantic services from Heathrow. |