Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall is expected to flourish as a transatlantic hub as a direct result of the Open Skies accord between the US and the EU.
Aviation industry officials and federal representatives agree that fledging international business at the Maryland facility will continue to proliferate as European carriers look to launch new routes across “The Pond”.
The largest low-fare airline in Europe, Ryanair, is widely anticipated to announce new transatlantic routes in the near future, with Baltimore high on its list of focus cities. Officials are optimistic that European low-cost carriers will be enticed by opportunities at the East Coast airport.
Washington Dulles and Philadelphia International are the largest hubs in the Baltimore area, but Maryland locals maintain they have insufficient immediate choice. Baltimore/Washington offers just 15 international flights per week at present, compared to Dulles, which accommodates more than 200.
Aviation observers concur. Christina Cassotis, Vice-President of global consultancy Simat Helliesen & Eichner, told the Maryland Gazette: “BWI is underserved internationally. The fact is, more international flights can and should be supported at BWI.”
In 2004, the Maryland Aviation Administration, which operates Thurgood Marshall, secretly subsidized British Airways to continue its daily flights to London, due to the importance of the link to the airport.
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