Britain seeks to postpone U.S. air talks

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Britain suggested postponing next week's aviation trade talks with the United States, saying that the timing was wrong for reaching agreement on unrestricted air service between the two countries.

"We have concluded that, in the short term, it is not possible to achieve that (open skies) goal," said a British government statement issued Wednesday by their embassy in Washington.

Discussions between senior government officials from both sides, on the fringes of an international transportation conference in Washington, also concluded that agreement on a more limited interim aviation deal was unlikely, sources familiar with the talks said.

"We will remain in close contact with our U.S. colleagues, and would hope to resume talks later this year or early next," the statement said.

U.S. officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

The delay is just one of many that have dogged years of effort to increase air service between the two countries.

Most recently, talks set for September were delayed while British Airways pursued ultimately fruitless efforts to merge with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

One of the biggest hurdles to the talks has always been greater access to London's Heathrow airport, the world's busiest international airport.

Under a 1991 modification to the 1977 Bermuda II Treaty, only British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines and American Airlines can operate direct, scheduled flights between London's Heathrow and U.S. cities.

British Midland would like to join that exclusive group as would other U.S. airlines.

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