From Armenia in brief: Armenia-U.S. Open Skies Agreement comes into force

by M. T.

Published: Saturday June 27, 2009

Yerevan - The U.S.Embassy in Yerevan announced that the U.S.-Armenia Open Skies agreement entered into force onJune 16, 2009, following an exchange of diplomatic notes between the twocountries. Open Skies will expand and liberalize bilateral civil aviationrelations between the United States and Armenia.

The Open Skiesagreement represents a market-oriented approach to aviation relations:airlines, not governments, will decide which cities to serve, the frequency offlights, the equipment used, and the prices charged. It is expected that theagreement will strengthen and expand strong trade and tourism links between theUnited States and Armenia, and provide multimillion­-dollar benefits toAmerican and Armenian carriers and the traveling public, while preserving theUnited States' commitments to aviation safety and security.

The agreement was signedon November 21, 2008, in Washington.

The press service of theArmenian Foreign Ministry stated that the contract gives the Armenian andAmerican airline companies an opportunity to implement direct flights betweenthe two countries.

The United States hasOpen Skies agreements with over 90 countries and territories.