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.