Virgin likely to swoop on BMI

AIRLINE Virgin Atlantic has said it is interested in acquiring rival BMI amid predictions of mergers following the "open skies" deal between the EU and USA.

BMI, which operates a number routes from Edinburgh Airport, is likely to benefit from yesterday's deal, which will allow any EU carrier to fly from anywhere within the members states to the US, as it owns more slots at Heathrow than any other airline except BA.