EU-US open skies agreement expected to be delayed until 2005

Airline Industry Information, July 12, 2004

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2004 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

The US presidential election is likely to delay a new open skies agreement between the United States and the European Union, according to EU Transport Commissioner Loyola de Palacio.

The new open skies pact would allow European carriers to fly to any US city and American carriers to fly between all EU nations. Palacio said that the new deal would be delayed until at least February 2005 after the US president is sworn into office.

Talks between the US and EU have been ongoing throughout 2004. In June the EU rejected an American deal as it did not open up US domestic routes enough. Talks are due to continue in September 2004, reports Reuters.

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