US-India aviation agreement to take effect soon

Monday, 17 January 2005, 20:30 IST
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NEW DELHI: Provisions of the new US-India open skies aviation agreement that relate to routes and code-sharing between the two countries will take effect "immediately". The agreement, described as "landmark" by US Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta, was initialled here Saturday. "The provisions expected to provide the greatest economic benefit, like those affecting routes and code-sharing, take effect immediately," the US Department of Transportation said. The agreement, announced after three days of negotiations between Mineta and India's Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel, is expected to "bring the two countries closer than ever before". The "agreement begins a new era where American and Indian consumers, airlines and economies can reap the rewards of cheaper flights, more choices and faster air service," Mineta said. "The entire agreement will come into force once it is signed, expected to take place in the near future," a department press release said. "Under the new agreement, airlines from both countries will be allowed to select routes and destinations based on consumer demand. "The deal provides for open routes, capacity, frequencies, designations, and pricing, as well as opportunities for cooperative marketing arrangements, including bilateral code-sharing with domestic Indian carriers. "The agreement also allows all-cargo operators to operate in either country without directly connecting to their homeland," the department said.
Source: IANS
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