US and Kazakhstan sign Open Skies agreement

NUR-SULTAN, Kazakhstan – The United States and Kazakhstan have signed the Air Transport (Open Skies) Agreement, the press service of US embassy said on 6 January.
US Ambassador to Kazakhstan William H. Moser signed the Agreement on behalf of the United States and Kazakhstani Minister of Industry and Infrastructural Development Beibut Atamkulov signed on behalf of Kazakhstan’s government.
The Agreement establishes a modern civil aviation relationship with Kazakhstan, consistent with US Open Skies international aviation policy, the US embassy said, adding that it includes unrestricted capacity and frequency of services, open route rights, a liberal charter regime, and open code-sharing opportunities.  The Agreement will enter into force upon an exchange of diplomatic notes between the two governments, the press service of the embassy said.
Open Skies agreements allow airlines to make commercial decisions based on market demand, without intervention from government regulators.  Air carriers can provide more affordable, convenient, and efficient air services to consumers and shippers, thereby promoting travel and trade.
“This Agreement with Kazakhstan will further expand our strong economic and commercial partnership as well as promote people-to-people ties.  It will create new opportunities for airlines, travel companies, and customers.  It commits both governments to high standards of aviation safety and security,” the US embassy said, adding that the Agreement also represents a step forward in the liberalisation of civil aviation in Central Asia and expands Central Asia’s connectivity with the world.