Open skies:The Government will push for an early decision on the proposed EU/US open skies deal, or else seek a one-to-one agreement with the US, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said.
A provisional package agreed between EU and US officials last week is in trouble following stiff opposition from Britain, which fears that it is too heavily weighted in favour of US airlines and could damage British Airways.
Mr Ahern said that Aer Lingus needed clarity within weeks on its plan to fly to three more airports in the US. "It has the aircraft waiting," he said.
Under the package, airlines from the 27 EU states and US airlines would be able to fly to airports in each other's territories without seeking official approval, subject to securing landing slots.
However, the US, amid concerns about security and objections from trade unions, has refused demands for European airlines to be able to buy out majority stakes in American airlines.
"We would like to get it clear, one way or the other, at the EU meeting of transport ministers later this month," Mr Ahern said. "The British government understands our position very clearly. I would like to make progress. If we can do it with an EU agreement, great. If not, I would like to do a bilateral agreement."
The Taoiseach said he would be discussing the issue with President George Bush next week.
Referring to the British objections, he said: "They believe that the US is getting a one-sided deal that is not delivering to Heathrow as it should. However, we are in a position where we cannot sit around. I have discussed this with Aer Lingus. They are very clear about what they want, but their time-scale is now. I want to help Aer Lingus, but I also want to help Irish tourism by getting more people into Ireland."
British prime minister Tony Blair is unhappy that US airlines would get rights to land at Heathrow while EU airlines would not be able to fly on within the US, or to destinations in Asia.
BA's chief executive Willie Walsh said BA would continue to oppose the proposal, insisting the EU was "being sold short".