Moldova and the United States signed the Open Skies Agreement, which creates prerequisites for the liberalization of air traffic between the two countries.
In particular, the Open Skies Agreement was signed in Chisinau by the Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development of Moldova, Lilia Dabija, and the US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Richard Verma. This is the first bilateral air transport agreement between the two countries. The Open Skies Agreement establishes a modern US civil aviation relationship with Moldova. The document provides for unlimited capacity and service frequency, open route rights, a liberal charter regime, and open codesharing opportunities. The agreement will be applied provisionally upon signing and will enter into force upon the exchange of diplomatic notes confirming that all necessary internal procedures for the entry into force of the agreement have been completed. According to the US State Department, this agreement between the US and Moldova will expand their strong economic and commercial partnership, promote people-to-people connections, and create new opportunities for airlines, travel companies and customers. Air carriers can provide more affordable, convenient and efficient air travel to travelers and shippers, boosting tourism and trade. The agreement also commits both governments to high aviation security standards. According to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, the signing of the Open Skies Agreement between the Republic of Moldova and the United States is aimed at creating a single air transportation market between the two countries, which will facilitate investment and the provision of air services without restrictions, including in the domestic markets of the signatories. The entry into force of the Open Skies Agreement will create the prerequisites for launching direct flights from Chisinau to US destinations, will contribute to the opening of the Moldovan air transportation market and the diversification of destinations at the Chisinau airport. On the other hand, it will have a positive impact on the strengthening of diplomatic and economic relations, facilitating investment cooperation between Moldova and the United States. The Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development of Moldova, Lilia Dabija, stressed that the creation of an open aviation space with the United States will bring significant economic benefits to our country by increasing passenger traffic, as well as by increasing competition in the domestic aviation market. In turn, US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma noted that the signing of the Open Skies Agreement between the Republic of Moldova and the United States is a significant moment, because it will allow countries to establish modern aviation ties, and airlines to offer passengers better and more efficient, convenient and affordable services.// 19.05.2023 - InfoMarket.
