Major-league news from the aviation industry today: The U.S. and the European Union have finally reached agreement on an “open skies” treaty that will deregulate transatlantic air travel. Now airlines in the EU will be able to offer flights to the U.S. from any country in the bloc, not just their respective domestic markets. The treaty also scraps archaic rules that permit only four carriers – British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines and United Airlines – to fly between the U.S. and London’s Heathrow airport.
Continental Airlines has already applied for permission to fly into Heathrow. Fantastic, I hope more carriers enter the market.