BA chief sees relaxation of U.S. airline laws

(Reuters) - U.S. airlines could start seeking foreign investments and pushing for a relaxation of U.S. airline ownership laws to cope with financial problems, British Airways (BAY.L) Chairman Martin Broughton told the Wall Street Journal in an interview.

The U.S. forbids foreigners from holding more than 25 percent of the voting stock in a U.S. airline or from indirectly controlling any U.S. carrier, the paper said.

"It could be the financial exigencies of the day that finally make for a breakthrough," Broughton told the newspaper. "Any rational director of a U.S. airline should welcome foreign investment, if it's available."

Broughton also said labour unions should also welcome foreign investment.

British Airways could not be immediately reached for comment.

(Reporting by Ajay Kamalakaran in Bangalore; Editing by David Holmes)