UK and US officials are re-opening open-skies talks following last month’s stalemate.
Negotiators from deputy prime minister John Prescott’s office and from the US Department of Transportation are reported to be drawing up a new framework for talks next month.
Progress will need to be made on opening up Heathrow to additional carriers and US airport slots for UK carriers.
February’s discussions broke down due to lack of agreement on transatlantic access to Heathrow for more US carriers and because British Midland was denied USlinks. Sticking points also included US airline-ownership laws.
Meanwhile, US politicians appear to have backed down on threats to penalise British Airways and Virgin Atlantic after last month’s talks failed. Threats included calls for a Concorde ban. They blamed BA for persuading the UK Government to block more access at Heathrow.