Britain has signalled to its European Union partners it will not block a landmark pact with the United States to open transatlantic flights to greater competition, diplomats said today.
They said London had indicated yesterday it would not obstruct the "open skies" agreement when EU transport ministers meet to approve it on Thursday but would seek a delay in implementing it at Heathrow airport.
Britain also wants an EU commitment to automatically withdraw concessions made under the pact if Washington does not agree by mid-2010 to allow European airlines to buy control of US carriers, the diplomats said.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair is due to talk with President Bush by telephone before Thursday's EU meeting.
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, the airlines that benefit most from the current arrangements at Heathrow, attacked the accord negotiated this month by the executive European Commission.
But diplomats said Britain was isolated within the EU in its criticism of the deal, and while it could theoretically veto the pact, it has indicated it is reluctant to do so.