The “Open Skies†deal between the EU and the US has been accepted by consumer groups and travelers who feel that people will now have more choice in choosing an airline; however there are critics who feel that the deal is loaded in favor of the US and then there is the green brigade which feels that by agreeing to the open skies policy, EU is reneging on its commitment to take steps against pollution.
The landmark agreement opens up Heathrow airport for British and American airlines that can now use the airport for ferrying passengers across the pond. Currently, a whopping 40% of transatlantic flights for Europe leave from Heathrow. At present there are only 4 airlines that are allowed to fly that route; these include Virgin, British Airways, American Airlines and United Airlines. Read more.