US lawmakers have again threatened to pursue "legislative solutions" should there be no progress on a new US/UK air services bilateral.
Republican Congressman Bud Shuster, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, wants to revoke US airport slots held by UK carriers, ban British Airways Aerospatiale/BAC Concorde flights and renounce the Bermuda II treaty. The measures would be enforced within six months of the legislation's enactment.
US Department of Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater says London's stance is protectionist and has "implications" for the codeshare application from American Airlines and BA. Bob Ayling, BA chief executive, says the USA should honour its commitments before negotiating new deals.
Source: Flight International