When British Airways announced three new US destinations in the span of two weeks this fall, industry observers took notice. Even before the latest routes were unveiled, British Airways flew from more US cities than any other European airline. The addition of Fort Lauderdale, New Orleans and Oakland will give the London-based carrier an even bigger presence in the USA as it offers service to 25 airports. The US market has always been uniquely important, says Willie Walsh, CEO of British Airways' parent company International Airlines Group. “It shouldn’t come as a surprise to people that we’re expanding there. I’ve said it consistently in my time at BA and at IAG that I believe that there are opportunities for further expansion into the US.” More opportunities could be ahead for Aer Lingus, too. The Irish airline — which was acquired by IAG in 2015 — expanded its US footprint this year, launching an expansion that brought it to Hartford, Conn., Los Angeles and Newark. Those airports give Aer Lingus a total of nine destinations in the USA, and Walsh said the carrier isn’t done.<br/>