The Association of European Airlines, AEA, welcomed the announcement that the Council of Transport Ministers has approved a comprehensive air service agreement between the EU and the US. AEA Secretary…
The Association of European Airlines, AEA, welcomed the announcement that the Council of Transport Ministers has approved a comprehensive air service agreement between the EU and the US. AEA Secretary General Ulrich Schulte-Strathaus stated “This is good news for passengers. European airlines will compete for all passengers travelling between any airport in the European Union to any destination in the United States. It is also good news for communities in Europe as airlines seek to serve new regions at attractive prices.”
The immediate commercial advantages of this agreement for airlines are difficult to assess at this stage, according to AEA.
“This is a step in the right direction,” commented Mr Schulte-Strathaus. “The agreement establishes a framework which includes, but goes beyond market opportunities. A Joint EU/US Committee will be created to harmonise standards between the European Union and the United States. So far, for example, divergent security measures have been a source of hassle for the passengers, and unnecessary costs for the airlines. The potential for sensible harmonisation is huge – but currently difficult to quantify.”
But Mr Schulte-Strathaus added that this agreement did not yet provide all elements of a level playing field for fair competition. “This agreement is important, but it is only a first step towards the ultimate goal, a true EU-US Open Aviation Area,” he said. “The second stage, as set forth in the agreement, gives both parties the means to negotiate further liberalisation and eventually achieve the sort of framework this mature and competitive industry needs.”
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