Madness at Heathrow over landing slots

Today's The TImes Online reports that Continental Airlines has bought four sets of take-off and landing slots at Heathrow Airport for a record $209 million (about £105 million).

From March 20th 2008, a new "Open Skies" agreement starts which eliminates the monopoly that four airlines have had on the transatlantic route from New York to Heathrow. These airlines were British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines and United Airlines.

Under Open Skies, other airlines will be able to offer flights on the New York to Heathrow (and also to European cities).

The seller of the landing slots that Continental bought is unknown, but

Its expected that the four landing slots will generate more than the $209 million revenue anually.

Airline Booking and Information

• Read more about British Airways or Book flights with British Airways
• Read more about Continental Airlines or Book flights with Continental Airlines
• Read more about United Airlines or Book flights with United Airlines
• Read more about Virgin Atlantic or Book flights with Virgin Atlantic

• BA axes international flights from Manchester (12/11/08)
• Aer Lingus Industrial action strike to disrupt Belfast Airport (23/10/08)
• Alitalia cancels flights (13/10/08)
• Planned online registration for US visitors criticised (8/10/08)
• Continental London to New York flight changes (27/09/08)
• Gatwick Airport goes on sale (24/09/08)
• East Midlands Airport wins two travel awards (18/09/08)
• Early flight bookers stand to save up to 1000 pounds (11/09/08)
• 60 million seats less on flights this winter (18/08/08)
• Business class seat improvements on Continental (1/08/08)