U.S., India conclude treaty to expand aviation access
The United States and India quickly came to agreement over the weekend on a treaty to open aviation markets after three days of negotiations.
The open skies agreement eliminates many government restrictions on routes, fares, frequencies, cities served, and type of aircraft to let the market determine how to offer aviation services. The U.S. Department of Transportation said the agreement will lead to more direct flights, code sharing and lower fares between the United States and India.
The agreement allows all-cargo airlines to operate in either country without directly connecting to their homeland.
Route and code-sharing provisions take effect immediately, while the rest await formal signing of the agreement.
India is one of the fastest growing economies and trade between the two nations totaled $18 billion in 2003.