European airlines are set to benefit after a new agreement, which sees the lifting of 70-year-old restrictions on transatlantic travel, came into force yesterday (March 30).
The Open Skies agreement allows European and American airlines to operate services on any route between the US and Europe, meaning that many airlines will now be able to increase the number of flights and destinations that they offer.
Previously, only British Airways, American, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic could operate direct routes between Heathrow and the US.
However, a Continental Airlines flight from New York was the first plane to arrive at London’s Heathrow airport yesterday morning under the new agreement, which has taken six years to formulate.
The airline is also now operating services from Heathrow to Newark, New Jersey, and to Houston, Texas. Delta will also fly from Heathrow to New York and Atlanta, while US Airways will operate a route from the airport to Philadelphia, and Air France will fly to Los Angeles.
“This marks the start of a new era in transatlantic aviation. This Agreement will bring more competition and cheaper flights to the US,” said Jacques Barrot, the Transport Commissioner.
