| Series Title | European Voice |
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| Series Details | Vol.8, No.4, 31.1.02, p2 |
| Publication Date | 31/01/2002 |
| Content Type | News |
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Date: 31/01/02 THE EU is facing calls to investigate the UK government for 'discriminatory'' treatment of rivals to British Airways (BA) at London's main airport. Airline BMI British Midland wants the Commission to intervene after Britain pulled out of talks on a new transatlantic aviation treaty that would let airlines besides BA and Virgin Atlantic use Heathrow for US flights. The UK withdrawal came after BA and American Airlines ditched plans to deepen their alliance, blaming 'excessive' concessions demanded by the US regulator. A BMI spokesman said the move demonstrated that 'BA's strategic policy is dictating UK policy' in breach of EU competition law. 'Our position is that this is discriminatory,' he said. The EU executive has been discouraging transatlantic deals by member states, pending a ruling by the European Court of Justice on their legality. In a preliminary opinion due today (31 January), the court is expected to endorse the Commission's claim that it alone has legal competence to negotiate aviation treaties. The EU is facing calls to investigate the UK government for 'discriminatory' treatment of rivals to British Airways (BA) at London's main airport. |
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| Subject Categories | Business and Industry, Mobility and Transport |
| Countries / Regions | United Kingdom |
