Open Skies Agreement

HC Deb 25 November 2002 vol 395 cc73-4W

Tom Brake

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the potential role of Open Skies for Regional Airports in the United Kingdom. [81408]

Mr. Jamieson

[holding answer 20 November 2002]There are already no capacity restrictions on flights between the US and UK regional airports (defined for this purpose as all UK airports except Heathrow and Gatwick). An "open skies" deal, whether on the partial US model or on a full liberalisation model, would allow US airlines unrestricted fifth freedom rights from regional airports.

Mr. Redwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the EU will(a) open and (b) conclude negotiations with the USA on an Open Skies Agreement. [83043]

Mr. Spellar

In order to open aviation negotiations with the United States the European Commission would first need a mandate from the Council.