KL, U.S. sign aviation deal

KL, U.S. sign aviation deal

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia is to sign an "open-skies" pact
with Washington this month, paving the way for unlimited landing
rights for carriers in both countries, Transport Minister Ling
Liong Sik said yesterday.

Ling said he would sign the landmark agreement in Washington
on June 26, after attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
forum transport ministers' conference in Canada from June 22 to
24.

The agreement, which would come into immediate effect upon
signing, would greatly benefit national carrier Malaysia Airlines
System Bhd., Ling was reported saying by Bernama news agency.

Malaysia Airlines, which at percent flies only to Los Angeles
six times a week, would be able to fly to major destinations like
Chicago, New York, Miami and Washington with the conclusion of
the pact, he added.

The United States had signed such pacts with 12 European
countries. Early this year, Singapore became the 13th and first
Asian country to conclude an open skies agreement with
Washington.