MINETA SIGNS U.S.-FRANCE OPEN-SKIES AGREEMENT

MINETA SIGNS U.S.-FRANCE OPEN-SKIES AGREEMENT    U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta on Tuesday signed an open-skies aviation agreement with France.
   The pact covers both cargo and passenger services, and scheduled and charter operations, eliminating restrictions on all those areas.
   “The historic agreement gives more freedom and choice to travelers and shippers in both of our countries by eliminating restrictions on how often carriers can fly between our two countries,” said Mineta, who signed the agreement with Jean-Claude Gaysoot, France’s minister of Infrastructure, Transport and Housing.
   Tuesday's implements the agreement established by both countries on Oct. 19. On the cargo side, the agreement grants unlimited air cargo rights between the United States and France, independent of any other security rulings, a transportation official said.