On September 26, 2016, an Open Skies Agreement was signed between the United States and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, concerning Curaçao. This agreement comes after much negotiation between the Departments of State, Transportation, and Commerce and the Governments of Curaçao and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Background. Open Skies agreements are agreements signed between the U.S. government and other countries to allow airlines to offer international passenger and cargo services to these countries. Through these agreements, airlines can provide more affordable, convenient, and efficient air service to consumers while also promoting increased travel and trade, and spurring high-quality job creation and economic growth. Expanded marketing opportunities between airlines, improved flexibility for airline operations, and commitment by governments to high standards of safety and security are additional benefits as well.
The United States began Open Skies agreement in 1992 and since then has signed such agreements with over 120 countries including most recently Ukraine, Serbia, Cote d’ Ivoire, Seychelles, Togo and Azerbaijan and a modernized air transport agreement with Mexico. More than 70% of the United States’ international departures are to Open Skies partners.
By signing this Open Skies agreement, the United States hopes to deepen its commercial and economic ties with Curaçao through the establishment of a modern commercial aviation relationship and create opportunities for growth in air transportation services while also contributing to advancement in economic growth sections besides aviation.
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McBreen & Kopko’s Aviation Group represents air carriers, fixed base operators (FBOs), airport managers, aviation service providers, and business aircraft owners and operators on a wide range of aviation issues including regulatory matters, commercial transactions, aircraft finance matters, and bankruptcy and creditors’ rights.