The US and Saudi Arabia have entered into an Open Skies Agreement that will liberalise their bilateral aviation relationship.

“This agreement strengthens and expands our already strong trade and tourism links with Saudi Arabia, and will benefit American and Saudi Arabian businesses and travellers,” the State Department said in a statement.

It will expand air service and encourage vigorous price competition by airlines, while safeguarding aviation safety and security, the statement said.

“The agreement, which will be applied on the basis of comity and reciprocity pending its entry into force, will liberalise our bilateral aviation relationship,” it said.

The US has the aviation agreement with over 100 partners from every region of the world and at every level of economic development. India had signed the agreement in 2005.

Open Skies agreements between the US and other countries expand international passenger and cargo flights by eliminating government interference in commercial airline decisions about routes, capacity and pricing.

This allows carriers to provide more affordable, convenient and efficient air service to consumers, promoting increased travel and trade and spurring high-quality job opportunity and economic growth.

Open Skies policy rejects the outmoded practice of highly restrictive air services agreements protecting flag carriers.

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