02-May-2008 10:04 AM
BA says exploring opportunities with American Airlines, Continental Airlines
Analysis
London (Thomson Financial) - British Airways Plc. said on Wednesday that it is exploring opportunities for cooperation with American Airlines and Continental Airlines Inc. The UK airline, which added that further details will be announced when appropriate, already said last October that it was looking to forge a closer relationship with American Airlines as it stepped up moves to lock up more slots at Heathrow airport ahead of the Open Skies treaty.
BA has had two previous approaches for American Airlines, which is owned by AMR Corp., knocked back by competition regulators. The Open Skies treaty, which came into force in March, has liberalised air travel between Europe and the U.S., removing age-old restrictions.