BMI British Midland chairman Sir Michael Bishop has admitted
present airline troubles were coming before the events of September 11.
And he has insisted that current difficulties should not be
used by European airlines as an excuse to gain an unfair advantage over UK
carriers.
In a speech to the Airport Operators Association annual
conference in Leeds, Sir Michael hit out at airlines such as Aer Lingus, Sabena
and Alitalia which want state aid to survive.
“I am deeply disappointed by the example of some European
governments who are caving in to political pressure. UK airlines must not be
placed at a disadvantage,” he said.
“The truth is there are too many airlines chasing too many
passengers. Too many countries view national carriers as status symbols.”
He called on the European Commission to outlaw state
protectionism and back a truly competitive airline industry that allows foreign
carriers to start effective consolidation in the industry.