Bmi backs BA/American deal to win open skies

BMI BRITISH midland will agree to anti-trust immunity between rival carriers British Airways and American Airlines as long as it can operate transatlantic flights from Heathrow using its own aircraft and staff.

As part of the open skies talks next week, bmi will ask the UK and US governments for its own anti-trust immunity with United Airlines – bmi’s Star Alliance and codeshare partner on ex-Manchester-US routes.