EU-US "open skies" comes into effect

The "open skies" Air Transport Agreement between the European Union and the United States comes into effect today, replacing 21 bilateral agreements. This comes just after the opening of the new Terminal 5 at London Heathrow (LHR), the airport that will be the focus of new competition.

Media statements have been issued by the European Commission and US Department of State. Media coverage includes that by USA Today and the BBC. A story in the International Herald Tribune looks towards the next stage in the negotiations.

This is a historic day for international aviation (see previous post on its signing).