BA has announced the launch of its OpenSkies airline that will provide services between the US and EU.

British Airways (BA) has announced the launch of OpenSkies, its new airline that will serve the US and Europe from June 2008 with flights from New York to Brussels and Paris.

The airline plans to operate a Boeing 757 from New York to either Brussels or Paris Charles de Gaulle airports, with a second plane operating to the other destination later this year – culminating in a total of six planes providing services by the end of 2009.

The European Parliament approved the EU-US air transport agreement in October 2007, to come into effect in March 2008. This agreement enables airlines to fly from anywhere in the US to anywhere in the EU.

Willie Walsh, BAs’ Chief Executive, said: “This is an exciting new venture for us and we’re confident that it will be a great success as we build on the strength of British Airways’ brand in the US and Europe.
 
“By naming the airline OpenSkies, we’re celebrating the first major step in 60 years towards a liberalised US/EU aviation market which means we can fly between any US and EU destination. It also signals our determination to lobby for further liberalisation in this market when talks between the EU and US take place later this year.”

The airline is registered in the UK and will apply for US and UK regulatory approval. Visit www.flyopenskies.com for more details about the new service.