BA’s transatlantic flights grounded
TEXT OF STORY
Doug Krizner: British Airways was hoping to launch a new airline between Europe and New York’s Kennedy airport. But now, there are reports the FAA is threatening to veto that plan. From London, Stephen Beard reports.
Stephen Beard: For British Airways, this was a golden opportunity — the chance to grab a bigger share of the lucrative transatlantic market. As allowed under the “Open Skies” agreement, BA is planning to fly direct from continental Europe to New York, landing almost certainly at the city’s most popular airport, JFK.
But now the U.S. authorities are making it clear they want to cut the chronic congestion at JFK. British Airways might not get all the new landing slots it wants.
That would be a blow for BA’s new venture, says analyst Kieran Daley.
Kieran Daley: New York does have other airports, which could at least, in theory, be used. But certainly in the early days, BA I think has to go with the existing flow and take people to where they want to go.
The International Air Transport Association has criticised the US for failing to expand airport capacity.
In London, this is Stephen Beard for Marketplace.
There’s a lot happening in the world. Through it all, Marketplace is here for you.
You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible.
Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.
