fadec_primary_channel
26th Jun 2003, 22:50
From Airwise.com
Autumn Date For EU-US Aviation Talks
Jun 26, 2003
Talks on a ground-breaking "open skies" agreement between the United States and the European Union are to start in early Autumn.
If a comprehensive aviation deal can be reached it will embrace all member countries of the EU and replace the present individual agreements with European states.
The announcement came from the White House as US and EU leaders met in Washington for wide-ranging talks.
Attempts to liberalize transatlantic aviation services have a history of failure with both sides refusing to make concessions. Among several contentious issues is the limited access granted to US carriers at London's Heathrow Airport and America's block on foreign ownership of its airlines.
The opportunity to allow Europe to speak with a single voice on "open skies" came after a European Court decision last year paved the way for talks. Earlier this month the executive arm of the EU, the European Commission, was given the go-ahead by transport ministers from the 15 member states to start negotiations.
Although difficulties remain in hammering out a deal which is acceptable to both sides, it is thought the new talks may achieve progress on some of the issues and open the way to a full treaty.
A statement from the White House said: "A comprehensive US-EU aviation agreement would further liberalize international aviation markets between the United States and the countries of the European Union, providing airlines, consumers, shippers, and national economies the enormous benefits of a market-based approach to international civil aviation.
"We look forward to extending the benefits of liberalization to the transatlantic market and building on the foundation established by the open skies agreements we have already concluded with eleven European Union Member States.
"Such an agreement would minimize government intervention and facilitate meaningful airline competition across a broader array of markets.
"The agreement would also enhance economic opportunities, including expanded scope for enriching cooperative marketing arrangements, while ensuring implementation of the highest standards of international aviation safety and security."
This will certianly re-ignite the bmi / VS / BA / LH / stories..
:)
Autumn Date For EU-US Aviation Talks
Jun 26, 2003
Talks on a ground-breaking "open skies" agreement between the United States and the European Union are to start in early Autumn.
If a comprehensive aviation deal can be reached it will embrace all member countries of the EU and replace the present individual agreements with European states.
The announcement came from the White House as US and EU leaders met in Washington for wide-ranging talks.
Attempts to liberalize transatlantic aviation services have a history of failure with both sides refusing to make concessions. Among several contentious issues is the limited access granted to US carriers at London's Heathrow Airport and America's block on foreign ownership of its airlines.
The opportunity to allow Europe to speak with a single voice on "open skies" came after a European Court decision last year paved the way for talks. Earlier this month the executive arm of the EU, the European Commission, was given the go-ahead by transport ministers from the 15 member states to start negotiations.
Although difficulties remain in hammering out a deal which is acceptable to both sides, it is thought the new talks may achieve progress on some of the issues and open the way to a full treaty.
A statement from the White House said: "A comprehensive US-EU aviation agreement would further liberalize international aviation markets between the United States and the countries of the European Union, providing airlines, consumers, shippers, and national economies the enormous benefits of a market-based approach to international civil aviation.
"We look forward to extending the benefits of liberalization to the transatlantic market and building on the foundation established by the open skies agreements we have already concluded with eleven European Union Member States.
"Such an agreement would minimize government intervention and facilitate meaningful airline competition across a broader array of markets.
"The agreement would also enhance economic opportunities, including expanded scope for enriching cooperative marketing arrangements, while ensuring implementation of the highest standards of international aviation safety and security."
This will certianly re-ignite the bmi / VS / BA / LH / stories..
:)