BRITISH Midland and US carriers barred from Heathrow are pinning their hopes on talks tomorrow which could restart open-skies discussions.
US congressional leaders plan to debate the issue following the collapse of negotiations last month. They are expected to call for USrestrictions on British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, while talks remain gridlocked (Travel Weekly February 7).
British Midland wants to start transatlantic flights this summer, US Airways wants to launch a Pittsburgh flight, while Delta Air Lines and Continental Airlines have been angered by the collapse of talks and are lobbying US politicians to get them reconvened. No formal date has been given for new discussions.
British Midland and United Airlines have also applied to codeshare on new Manchester flights to Chicago and Washington. British Midland is expected to start the services in summer 2001.
There are no restrictions on US flights from Manchester Airport.