US strengthens open skies partnerships at Int’l Civil Aviation Event

Washington, Dec 8 (Just News): During the Tenth International Civil Aviation Organization Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN 2017) in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from December 4-8, 2017, the United States met with at least 20 countries and concluded four agreements.

On December 4, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Atul Keshap and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka’s Secretary of Civil Aviation G. S. Withanage signed an agreement to amend the U.S.-Sri Lanka Open Skies Agreement of 2002 to include seventh-freedom rights for all-cargo operations, effective the date of signing.  Seventh freedom rights involve flights between a second and third country without touching the airline’s home country.  These rights facilitate more efficient and cost-effective movement of goods, strengthen global express delivery cargo networks, enhance connectivity and competitiveness, and facilitate economic growth and job creation.  

Also on December 4, the U.S. delegation and a Jamaican delegation led by Dr. Kathy-Ann Brown, Deputy Solicitor General, agreed, ad referendum, on the text of an amendment to the 2008 U.S.-Jamaica Air Transport Agreement that expands coverage to include seventh-freedom route rights for all-cargo operations.  The delegations intend to recommend that their aviation authorities permit operations in accordance with the terms of the agreement, pending its signing and entry into force expected in early 2018.   

On December 7, the U.S. delegation and a Namibian delegation led by Cedrik Limbo, Director, Transportation Policy and Regulation, Ministry of Works and Transport, agreed, ad referendum, on the text of an amendment to the 2000 U.S.-Namibia bilateral Open Skies Air Transport Agreement that expands coverage to include seventh-freedom route rights for all-cargo operations and removes an obsolete provision.

Also on December 7, the U.S. delegation and a Tanzanian delegation led by Hamza Johari, Director General, Civil Aviation Authority, agreed, ad referendum, on the text of an amendment to the 2000 U.S.-Tanzania Open Skies Agreement to remove an obsolete provision.

This year’s ICAN provided a venue for U.S. negotiators to discuss and pursue solutions on a wide range of civil aviation issues with bilateral partner governments and seek expanded opportunities for U.S. business and travelers.  The U.S. delegation, led by Department of State Senior Advisor Terri Robl, included representatives from the Departments of State and Transportation. 

Information on U.S. aviation policy and Open Skies agreements currently in force is available on the Department of State’s website at https://www.state.gov/e/eb/tra/ata/

 (Just News/ys/2350hr)