First Open Skies flights jet off

Travel history was made yesterday when the Open Skies agreement came in to force across Europe and the US.

The new rules will allow any airline in Europe and the US to travel on any route between the two - which is likely to see passengers have much more choice when it comes to transatlantic flights.

Yesterday, a Continental Airlines flight from New York was the first plane in the UK to touch down at London Heathrow under the new agreement.

"This marks the start of a new era in transatlantic aviation. This Agreement will bring more competition and cheaper flights to the US," said Jacques Barrot, the Transport Commissioner.

The Guardian reports the International Air Transport Association as saying that 7,000 more seats will be available on flights between London and the Big Apple each week now the restrictions have been lifted.

Meanwhile, consultants at Booz Allen Hamilton told the newspaper that the Open Skies agreement will see traffic between the US and the EU increase to 37.5 million passengers a year by 2011.