Brussels, 10/04/2007 (Agence Europe) - “We are pleased the UK Government has inserted a clause in the new deal to provide for an automatic termination of this first phase of revised arrangements if the US has not made real progress towards a full Open Aviation Area by 2010. This has not made a bad deal good, but it has made it better,” said Willie Walsh, CEO of British Airways (BA) in an interview with ABTN magazine published on Sunday 8 April, commenting on the Open Skies agreement concluded on 2 March between the EU and the United States, and approved by the Transport Council on 22 March (see EUROPE 9392). Mr Walsh said the company, one of four which, under the terms of the Bermuda II agreement, operates transatlantic flights from Heathrow Airport, would be “ready” to meet the challenge of competition when the agreement comes into effect on 30 March 2008. “By the time the agreement is implemented, British Airways will be enjoying the benefits of our exclusive occupancy of Heathrow's magnificent Terminal 5,” he said, adding that the companies new to Heathrow from 30 March next will have greater difficulties in finding time slots and airport space. “We do not underestimate our competitors. But they will have an uphill struggle to find terminal facilities that can come close to what we will offer in Terminal 5,” Mr Walsh said. (aby)