The owner of British Airways and United Airlines are among the carriers that have signed a letter to US and European Union leaders.

Currently travel between Europe and the US is largely barred.

Carriers are struggling to survive as the coronavirus pandemic has severely disrupted global travel.

In a letter sent on Tuesday to US and European governments, major airline chief executives called for a US-EU testing programme for passengers making trans-Atlantic trips.

Signees of the letter include bosses of International Airlines Group (IAG) - which owns British Airways - American Airlines, United Airlines and Lufthansa.

“Given the unquestioned importance of trans-Atlantic air travel to the global economy as well as to the economic recovery of our businesses, we believe it is critical to find a way to re-open air services between the US and Europe,” the letter said.

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