US-Europe open skies

US-Europe open skies U.S. and European Union sign historic air transport agreement Wednesday, May 02, 2007

More affordable and convenient air travel for American consumers is on the horizon due to the signing of an open-skies air transport agreement between the United States and the European Union, U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters said. The agreement will provide greater freedom for American and EU airlines to fly between the two continents by eliminating restrictions on prices and services. By expanding the ability of airlines to fly between Europe and the United States, this agreement will spur lower-priced and more accessible air travel for American and European consumers, promote greater access to U.S. and European markets, and increase healthy competition. “With this agreement, the honeymoon in Paris, the business trip to Dublin, and family reunion in Naples will be cheaper, easier, and within the reach of more Americans than ever before,” said Secretary Peters, “Also, better access to American destinations means European visitors will bring new business to our local communities.” The signing of the air transport agreement is the result of several years of meetings and discussions between American and European negotiators. With the approval of the deal, every U.S. and EU airline will now be permitted to fly between every city in the European Union and every city in the United States. It will also allow these airlines to set fares freely in accordance with market demand, and operate without restrictions on the number of flights, the aircraft used, or the routes chosen. In addition, the agreement will increase U.S. and EU cooperation and commitment to the highest standards of aviation safety and security. Vicky Karantzavelou - Wednesday, May 02, 2007