Virgin warns EU: Don’t bow to US demands
Virgin Atlantic has called on the European Union not to cave in to US pressure as both sides prepare for next week’s crucial aviation talks.
The carrier said there was a “very real prospect” of agreement during the Open Aviation discussions but warned that the EU must stand firm.
“There’s a very real prospect of the EU and US finally achieving a historic and much needed agreement but there’s still a danger that the US Government could secure a deal giving it all it wants with Europe getting little in return,” said Virgin chairman Sir Richard Branson.
One fear is that the US will demand, and win, permission for American airlines to fly into Heathrow and then into Europe while still banning European carriers from operating within the US.
“We don’t know what each side is planning to table next week but what we don’t want is an unbalanced deal giving the US all it wants with little more than empty promises in return,” said Branson. “In simple terms, the EU must not trade access to Heathrow – its most valuable asset – for anything less than a true Open Aviation Agreement.”
He added consumers would be the winner if a deal is reached.
“We believe in more competition but the only deal worth negotiating is a true Open Aviation Agreement which removes all the regulations which distort our industry,” he added.
“This would be a balanced deal giving both sides everything they want and leaving the consumer the winner, with more services and cheaper fares within a combined US and EU aviation area.”
Report by Steve Jones
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