Singapore, U.S. open skies

Singapore, U.S. open skies

SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore has initialed a landmark open skies agreement with the United States, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore announced Thursday.

The outcome followed two days of negotiations in Washington between the two countries, the CAAS said in a statement.

"The agreement between Singapore and the U.S. marks a milestone in bilateral aviation relations. Singapore is pleased to be the first in Asia to conclude such an agreement with the U.S.," said Teo Ming Kian, the permanent secretary in the ministry of communications.

Under an open skies agreement, airlines of both countries will be permitted to fly whatever routes they choose between Singapore and any point in the United States without restrictions in frequencies.