Sir - I refer to Mr Medlicott's letter (Flight International 17-23 January), in which he states "...the UK/US bilateral agreement continues to be one of the most restrictive in existence".

He seems to have overlooked the domestic flights US carriers such as TWA and United have within Europe. In Japan, carriers such as Northwest use Tokyo as an Asian hub.

Why can't European and Asian carriers have similar beyond-traffic rights in the USA? It could only lead to an improvement in the US domestic sector, which basically offers a Greyhound bus service with wings.

Mr Medlicott seems to be the perfect spokesman for his airlines' acronym: Don't Ever Leave Terminal Area.

DAVID CONNOLLY

Brussels, Belgium

Source: Flight International