The number of transatlantic flights set to increase

The number of flights connecting Europe and North America are likely to increase noticeably, thanks to the liberalization of commercial air travel between the European Union and the United States, made possible through the Open Skies Agreement. The deal comes into effect tomorrow morning and the most important change will be that previously existing bilateral restrictions between countries will be eliminated and any European airline will now be permitted to fly from any EU airport to destinations in the US. As such, continental European carriers will now be able to launch direct flights to the US from airports in the United Kingdom, while British Airways is also preparing to launch direct, non-stop service to New York City and other popular American destinations, from major airports in Western Europe, including those in Brussels and Paris.

Most analysts are convinced that the liberalization of air travel will not only lead to greater choice for passengers, but also lower prices, as competition among airlines heats up over the Atlantic. Air France has already announced that as of March 30^th, it will begin operating flights between London Heathrow and Los Angeles, thus giving carriers like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines and United Airlines—which have controlled the transatlantic US UK market—a real run for their money. BA subsidiary OpenSkies will also begin operating a new route between Brussels or Paris, to New York-JFK, on comfortable B-757 aircrafts, designed in such a way as to offer all passengers aboard a business class flying experience. A range of other airlines have also decided to expand regular service between the US and Europe. For example, American Airlines has announced that it will be doubling the number of flights offered on routes to London Stansted, while Eos Airlines—which caters primarily to businesspeople—will be offering regular flights from Newark-Liberty to Stansted. Additionally, Zoom Airlines, a Canadian discount carrier, will start operating a new seasonal route connecting London Gatwick to both Fort Lauderdale and San Diego, both popular holiday destinations.

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