US-Australia flight talks begin

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Talks that could lead to cheaper flights across the Pacific will get under way in Washington on Tuesday.

US and Australian officials start "open skies" talks that could lead to greater competition on the trans-Pacific route.

At the moment Australian airline Qantas has by far the most non-stop services to the US, and reportedly generates up to 20% of its profits from the route.

Rival airlines, including Virgin Blue's V Australia and Singapore Airlines, would like to break into that market.

V Australia has asked for 10 weekly flights and has already placed an order for six aircraft.

At the moment Qantas has 48 non-stop flights between the US and Australia.

United Airlines is its only competitor with 14 flights a week.

Singapore Airlines has had several requests to fly the route rejected.