TIACA welcomes U.S.-EU open skies, hopes for air cargo liberalization

TIACA welcomes U.S.-EU open skies, hopes for air cargo liberalization The International Air Cargo Association said Wednesday it welcomes the open skies air transport agreement recently signed by the United States and the European Union, but wants to see resumption of bilateral negotiations to allow unrestricted transatlantic access for air cargo carriers.
   The trade deal, which goes into effect in March 2008, will eliminate restrictions on prices, frequencies, routes, type of aircraft and other services, making it easier for airlines to serve all cities in each market, and opening up competition that is expected to benefit consumers. The agreement also binds both sides to higher security and safety standards. Second stage negotiations are expected to take place by the end of May 2008.
   “This agreement between the U.S. and EU is an important step forward, but obviously some issues still need to be resolved,” said Jack Boisen, TIACA’s chairman.
   “TIACA will continue to support and campaign for any measures that lead to liberalization. We are confident that the commercial benefits that will be derived by airlines and consumers as the first phase of the open skies agreement is implemented will make it difficult for both sides not to successfully conclude second phase negotiations. This is a significant move towards the unrestricted movement of air cargo,” he said.