Oman, US pact on open skies
Almasalla Arab Travel Portal News – The Sultanate of Oman signed an Open Skies Agreement with the US, permitting unrestricted air service by the airlines of both the countries between and beyond the other s territory to any other city in the world.
The agreement, signed by H.E. Salim al Aufi, Chief Executive Officer, Public Authority for Civil Aviation and H.E. Greta C Holtz, US Ambassador to Oman, eliminates government restrictions on how often carriers fly, the type of aircraft used, and prices they charge.
Speaking to the Observer, H.E. Al Aufi said, "The Sultanate has in place Air Transport Agreements with 77 countries and 26 of them are Open Skies Agreements".
Oman will soon have a similar agreement with Canada. Al Aufi said the government is interested in pursuing as many open skies agreements as possible, in order to elevate Muscat as a global logistics and passenger hub.
He added that the number of passengers between the Sultanate and US stands at more than 49,000 annually.
"This is a very good time to prepare for direct flights between the two countries especially with the expansion of Muscat International Airport and other airports in the Sultanate," H.E. Al Oufi said.
H.E Greta said, "The US-Oman agreement will allow for the strengthening and expansion of trade and cultural links and promote increased tourism, benefiting US and Omani businesses and travellers by expanding opportunities for air services and encouraging vigorous price competition by airlines, while preserving our commitments to aviation safety and security."
By allowing air carriers unlimited market access to "our partners’ markets and the right to fly to all intermediate and beyond points, Open Skies agreements provide maximum operational flexibility and commercial opportunity for airline alliances and demonstrate our shared commitment to an open, competitive, market-based international economic system", according to a statement released by the US Embassy.
The open skies agreement is a pro-consumer, pro-competition, and pro-growth accord. It represents a market-oriented approach to aviation relations: airlines, not governments, will be able to decide which cities to serve, the frequency of flights, the equipment used, and the prices charged.
The agreement shows Omani government’s marked commitment to open up the Sultanate’s aviation sector to ensure more connections, greater investment, enhanced competition, and better service for travellers.
Open skies agreement allow for full flexibility for air services operated by carriers of both countries.
Source: Oman Daily Observer
