The US and Argentina have signed a Protocol of Amendment that modernises the 1985 Air Transport Services Agreement between the two countries.
The new protocol modernises the US-Argentina air transport market by allowing for increased competition and service to more destinations.
It includes unrestricted capacity and frequency, open route rights, a liberal charter regime, and open code-sharing opportunities. The protocol results in a market that allows airlines to make commercial decisions based on demand without intervention from government regulators.
The US-Argentina air transport market is the third largest U.S. market in the region, and last year, US and Argentine airlines carried nearly 1.8 million passengers between the two countries. Nearly one million of those passengers travelled on the Miami-Buenos Aires route alone.
“This agreement will expand our two countries’ already strong commercial and economic ties by supporting greater air travel and commerce,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Elaine L. Chao.
The US said the modernisation of the bilateral civil aviation relationship between the US and Argentina is set to benefit travellers, businesses, shippers, airports, and localities by permitting increased market access for passenger and all-cargo airlines to fly between our two countries and beyond.
The US said the protocol further commits both governments to high standards of safety and security. Its provisions entered into force today after the signing.
