76 Countries Have Signed Pact With US

The United States and Chad signed a full Open-Skies agreement Wednesday that will permit air services between the two countries without restriction. It is the first air services agreement between the two countries.

US Ambassador Marc Wall and Chad’s Minister of Infrastructure Adoum Younousmi signed the agreement in N’Djamena, Chad.

"This agreement will allow U.S. airlines to offer more options for passengers and shippers to reach Africa," said US Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta (right). "Establishing Open Skies is an important step toward spurring trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchange between the United States and Chad."

Open-Skies agreements permit unrestricted air service by the airlines of both sides between and beyond the other’s territory, without restrictions on how often the carriers can fly, the prices they charge, or the kind of aircraft they use. The accord with Chad also will allow all-cargo carriers to fly between the other country and third countries without directly connecting to their homeland.

The United States now has Open-Skies relationships with 76 aviation partners, including 17 in sub-Saharan Africa.

A notable holdout to signing an Open-Skies agreement with the US is the European Union. As Aero-News has reported, the EU has refused to sign a final agreement until US restrictions on foreign ownership of domestic airlines are resolved.

FMI: www.state.gov/e/eb/tra/c661.htm