MacGregor hints at 'open skies' air deal

JOHN MacGREGOR, the Secretary of State for Transport, has hinted that Britain might grant 'open skies' across the Atlantic in exchange for US approval of the proposed investment by British Airways in USAir.

The chairmen of the big three US airlines - American, Delta and United - on 1 October called for unrestricted open skies in exchange for approval of the deal. In an interview with Commercial Aviation Magazine given before their call, Mr MacGregor said that 'all restraints and restrictions' could be lifted in the wake of the BA/USAir deal.

He added that talks with Andrew Card, the US Transportation Secretary, last month had resulted in 'progress toward a more liberal regime . . . giving greater opportunities to US airlines in the UK market'.