BM hitting out over business fares
British business spends £2.4 billion a year more than it needs to on air travel because of US and British Government restrictions on which airlines may fly between Heathrow and New York, British Midland Airways chairman Sir Michael Bishop has claimed.
Britain-US business class fares are up to 172%, or £3158, more expensive than fares from European cities to the US because only four airlines are allowed to fly US routes from Heathrow. These are American Airlines, British Airways, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic, who charge the same business class fares, Sir Michael said.
British Midland today launches a 'Make the air fair' campaign, demanding that the British and US governments resume talks in October, and allow any British or US airline to fly between any two cities as often and as cheaply as they wish.
BM has applied for licences to operate 10 transatlantic routes from Heathrow.
'Cars, computers and groceries have all been accused of contributing towards ripoff Britain, but transatlantic air travel has so far escaped the spotlight,' he said.
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