U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces Agreement with Trinidad and Tobago on Open Skies
The United States and Trinidad and Tobago have reached an Open-Skies aviation agreement that will liberalize U.S.-Trinidad and Tobago air services for carriers of both countries. Trinidad and Tobago becomes the 98th U.S. Open-Skies partner.
"This agreement paves the way for future growth in travel and trade between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago," Secretary LaHood said. "Consumers, airlines and economies of both countries will enjoy the benefits of competitive pricing and more convenient service."
Under the new agreement, airlines from both countries will be allowed to select routes and destinations based on consumer demand for both passenger and cargo services, without limitations on the number of carriers of the United States or Trinidad and Tobago that can fly between the two countries or the number of flights they can operate. The agreement also provides them, for the first time, code-sharing and intermodal rights.
The previous U.S.-Trinidad and Tobago agreement, while liberal in many respects, contained restrictions on the cities that carriers could serve, airline pricing and charter operations. Open Skies will remove these restrictions and also provide important, enhanced cargo rights.
The agreement was reached May 1 after three days of negotiations in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Airlines of both countries will enjoy the benefits of liberalization upon signature of the agreement, pending its entry into force.