Guyana signs open skies deal with U.S.

The United States’ Department of State says that U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Brent D. Hardt and Guyana’s Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn have signed an Open Skies air services agreement, formalizing the “liberalization of the bilateral aviation relationship between both nations.”

The State Department said the Open Skies agreement entered into force upon signature on March 25.

“The Open Skies agreement creates opportunities for strengthening the economic partnership between the United States and Guyana through closer links in transport and trade,” the statement said.

It said Open Skies agreements permit unrestricted air service by the airlines of both countries between and beyond the other’s territory, allowing airline managements to determine how often to fly, the kind of aircraft to use, and the prices to charge.

“This agreement will strengthen and expand our strong trade and tourism links with Guyana, benefitting U.S. and Guyanese businesses and travelers by expanding opportunities for air services and encouraging vigorous price competition by airlines, while preserving our commitments to aviation safety and security,” the State Department said.

It said the United States has Open Skies agreements with more than 100 partners around the world, including some in the Caribbean.