Air Transport

Bowing to mounting pressure from foreign airlines, the International Air Transport Association and UK airports operator BAA have drawn up a new agreement on fuel restrictions placed on London Heathrow operators that will eliminate the need for foreign long-haul carriers to make refuelling technical stops. Under the current fuel-rationing agreement, which was put in place following the 11 December fire at a fuel depot north of London, all foreign airlines operating from Heathrow have to reduce their fuel intake by up to 30%. The new agreement, which will take effect on 20 February, will eliminate differential treatment for medium- and long-haul flights, says IATA, although a differential will remain for short-haul flights.