With European Airlines poised to enjoy fantastic benefits in the airline industry after a significant agreement came into force on 30th March, the said agreement has broken new grounds by lifting the restrictions on transatlantic travel that have been there for the past 70 years.

The Open Skies agreement recently signed enables American and European airlines to fly their services on any route between the US and Europe. The agreement means that the airlines are now free to increase the number of destinations and services operated to any of these regions.

Notably, when the restrictions were enforced for so long, only British Airways, United Airlines, American and Virgin Atlantic could offer direct flight connections between Heathrow and the US. Interestingly, the agreement was enforced as a result of over six years of formulations. A flight of the Continental Airlines arriving from New York was the first plane to arrive at London's Heathrow airport yesterday morning as a result of the new agreement.

Presently, the Continental Airlines has started its services from Heathrow to New Jersey, Newark and to Houston at Texas. In addition, Delta will fly from Heathrow to Atlanta and New York. US Airways will offer a route from Heathrow to Philadelphia, while Air France will connect Heathrow to Los Angeles.

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