Larry Pressler: “I rise today to discuss significant recent developments in our aviation relations with the United Kingdom. If handled…”

“I rise today to discuss significant recent developments in our aviation relations with the United Kingdom. If handled properly by the administration, these developments could finally lead to full liberalization of United States/United Kingdom air service, our largest international aviation market. Last week I spoke at some length in this body regarding my great frustration with the current state of aviation relations between our two nations. In those remarks I predicted a time would come when the British truly would want some significant aviation rights or regulatory relief from the United States. When that time came, I said I fully expect the administration to demand a very high price. I welcome reports that time may be at hand. Mr. President, I am referring to published reports that British Airways, which presently controls a greater share of the United States/ United Kingdom air service market than all United States passenger carriers combined, is close to announcing a major business alliance with American Airlines. In anticipation of that announcement, British negotiators came to Washington yesterday to assess the price tag for the regulatory relief the new alliance would require. I am pleased initial reports indicate the Department of Transportation [DOT] reaffirmed its longstanding position: Nothing short of full liberalization of the United States/United Kingdom air service market would be acceptable.”