| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 22/05/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 6 |
| Copyright: Other |
British Midland boss seeks greater European assistance over US routes
BRITISH Midland chairman Sir Michael Bishop has called for new air agreements between European countries and the US to be negotiated by the European Union.In a speech to the European Aviation Club in Brussels, Sir Michael said the UK Government and the US should talk on a bilateral basis to comply with legal requirements but the EU should take a bigger role.
His comments reflect frustration with the amount of time it has taken the UK and US to open up routes from Heathrow to the US.
However, Sir Michael was optimistic that his carrier will receive clearance next month to share flights with partner United Airlines from Manchester and that transatlantic services from Heathrow were moving closer.
If approval is granted, British Midland will launch Heathrow flights to the US for summer 2001.
The airline is due to give evidence to MPs on the open skies issue this Wednesday.