U.S., Netherlands sign open skies agreement regarding BES Islands

WASHINGTON, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- The United States and the Netherlands signed a new bilateral open skies agreement with regard to Bonaire, St Eustatius, and Saba (also known as the BES Islands), the U.S. Department of State said Wednesday.

The accord, replacing in part the 1998 Air Transport Agreement between the two nations concerning consumers and businesses, will enter into force soon after an exchange of diplomatic notes between the two nations.

It "reflects the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles and the new legal status of the BES Islands as special municipalities of the Netherlands," the statement noted.

Eliminating government intervention in the commercial decisions made by air carriers' about routes, capacity, and pricing, this new agreement enables carriers to provide consumers and businesses with more affordable, convenient, and efficient air service, so as to foster opportunities for air travel and commerce between the United States and the BES Islands.

The United States has open skies agreements with more than 120 partners around the world. Enditem