Jacques Barrot, the EU transport commissioners hopes to sign a partial Open Skies agreement with the US by the end of 2005.
After a meeting of EU transport minister this week, Mr Barrot said: “We think we shall be able to get a first step agreement by the end of the year. I did hear today that ministers are very determined to support our efforts.”
A deal between the two sides was almost reached but finally broke down after the EU demanded more access to the US market for European-owned carriers.
Mr Barrot said after the transport ministers' meeting that the EU still wanted the US to relax its rules over airline ownership.
But he stressed that cabotage - the right of foreign airlines to operate flights in another country's domestic market - was no longer a major issue. “European countries are not really interested in cabotage,” Mr Barrot said.
In return the Americans are likely to press for one of their major aims, more access to London Heathrow.
* Mr Barrot is leading the EU team in Beijing for the EU-China Aviation Summit (June 30-July 1) which is due to discuss relaxing aviation regulations. The agenda also includes market trends, safety, security and air traffic management.
Travellers value technology as well as price – Wheeler
After price and frequency, UK travellers value the ability to book online when selecting which carrier to fly with, according to a new survey by e-Travel, Amadeus's e-commerce arm.
54% cited online booking as a top priority while 35% said they would switch airlines if they could change options like meals and seat selection online.
Ian Wheeler, managing director of e-Travel, said that as low fares became the norm, extra services provided by airlines were a “key differentiator.”
He added: “What today's travellers want is a variety of additional value-added services which puts them in more control of their travel experience.
“With the majority of these services grounded in technology, such as online check-in, seat selection and the ability to make changes after reservation, there is a real opportunity for airlines to get smart about effective customer service.”