United States, St. Christopher and Nevis Sign Open-Skies Aviation Agreement

The United States and St. Christopher and Nevis today signed an Open-Skies aviation agreement that will liberalize air services for the carriers of both countries.
“This agreement means the travelers, airlines and economies of both the United States and St. Christopher and Nevis will benefit from competitive pricing and more convenient service,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

The agreement, which was signed in Basseterre, St. Christopher by U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Christopher Sandrolini and St. Christopher and Nevis Minister for Tourism and International Transport Richard Skerritt, was reached through a series of teleconferences and other electronic communications starting in May.

Previously, aviation relations between the two countries were governed by Bermuda 2, the former aviation agreement between the United States and United Kingdom which restricted route rights and pricing.  Under the Open-Skies agreement, the airlines of both countries will be able to fly to, from and beyond the other’s territory, without restriction on how often carriers fly, the kind of aircraft they use and the prices they charge.

The new opportunities are available immediately.  The agreement makes St. Christopher and Nevis the 104th U.S. Open-Skies partner.