News: BA to launch new transatlantic flights from Europe
Flights > News > # 1643 (15/01/2008)
British Airways is launching new subsidiary airline called Open Skies, which plans to start flying a Boeing 757 to the US from Brussels or Paris in June.
The airline hopes its new carrier will operate six 757s by 2010.
The move comes after the European Union and US backed an "open skies" deal to liberalise transatlantic air travel.
The EU deal eases restrictions on travel between Europe and the US. It will also challenge BA's dominance at Heathrow airport.
Until now, BA has only been allowed to fly to the US directly from the UK.
Three other airlines - Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines and United Airlines - have also been permitted to operate flights from Heathrow to the US.
Supporters of the open skies deal say it will boost competition between airlines and lead to lower air fares.
It also may make it easier for BA to compete on other international routes outside of the UK.
BA chief executive Willie Walsh said: "This is an exciting new venture for us and we're confident that it will be a great success as we build on the strength of BA's brand in the US and Europe.
"By naming the airline Open Skies, we're celebrating the first major step in 60 years towards a liberalised US-EU aviation market which means we can fly between any US and EU destination.
"It also signals our determination to lobby for further liberalisation in this market when talks between the EU and US take place later this year," he said.
The aircraft on the planned new route will carry up to 82 passengers on Boeing 757 aircraft with three onboard cabin classes: 24 business seats, 28 premium economy seats and 30 economy.
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