The advocate general of the European Court of Justice has urged the court to declare that EU member states' bilateral "open skies" deals with the US are contrary to EU law.

The court, which is considering eight separate actions by the European Commission against Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Luxembourg and the UK, will make a ruling within six months. The commission argues that it, rather than individual EU countries, should negotiate such agreements with the US.

Forum Response: Virgin Atlantic

Sir Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Atlantic, told ePolitix.com: "This decision vindicates Virgin Atlantic's consistent position over the last few years. We have always lobbied for true "open skies" but only if that means full liberalisation of all regulations governing air services within and between Europe and the US.

"Today's decision presents an historic opportunity for Britain and the European Commission in partnership to negotiate a deal with the United States which would usher in a new era in aviation.

"Our vision of the future is a complete deregulation of everything from routes and airline access rights, all the way through to mergers and acquisitions. Such a vision would put the industry on an equal footing with other mature industries and bring in cheaper fares, a higher quality of service and a much more efficient industry.

"I have written to Stephen Byers to encourage him to throw the government's weight behind the decision and to be a leading influence on the European Commission's negotiations. The UK's uniquely dynamic aviation sector stands to gain more than most in Europe from this historic decision."

Forum Response: British Airways

A spokesman for British Airways told ePolitix.com: "We note the Advocate General's view and the fact that he has not recommended that the EU takes over negotiations on air service agreements for its member states. BA supports air liberalisation and the boost to competition that this would provide in the trans-Atlantic aviation market.

"This can only function effectively if a level playing field is established for all competing carriers/alliances. It still vitally Important that the government recognises the interests of its domestic carriers, whether negotiations are bilateral or conducted by EU authorities."