Recently, the Chief Negotiators from the European Commission and the US Dept. of State initialled a Protocol to the EU-US 'Open Skies' trans-Atlantic Air Transport Agreement. This fulfilled their previously stated ambition to negotiate a 'Stage 2' agreement, but that it was achieved is a sign of the strong commitment of both sides.
Among the changes which will apply as soon as the protocol is signed are:
- agreements to streamline the process for new entrants to the market, and reciprocal recognition of determinations of airline fitness and citizenship;
- clearer commitments to international cooperation on noise and other environmental issues and
- a small expansion of EU opportunities with respect to US Government procured transport.
- the remaining cargo 7th freedoms,
- 5 new passenger 7th freedoms, and
- a 'waiver' by the EU on US citizens owning and controlling a wide number of third country airlines
- 5 new passenger 7th freedoms and
- a wider waiver by the US on EU Citizens owning and controlling third country airlines