Aerospace |
|
Despite efforts to try to clear up a deal between British Airways Plc's proposed alliance with American Airlines, talks ended in a negative light last week. Britain's Trade and Industry Secretary Margaret Beckett met with EU competition commissioner Karel van Miert to discuss the proposed BA/AA alliance. But it didn't help matters. According to reports, the important issue remains unchanged: the number of slots controlled by the transatlantic alliance at Heathrow's busy Airport in London. Fears of a strike from the BA cabin crew were also sticking points during the discussion. But nothing has changed. Nor was there any mention of a next meeting between Beckett and Miert. In order to clear the deal, the two sides must gain clearance by the EU, Beckett on British competition grounds and by the US. authorities. The deal is also conditional on an open skies pact to open transatlantic traffic currently sealed between the US. and Britain. |
