Aviation open skies: protectionism, conflicts of interest and outdated ideas

In many ways, the US and the UK face a "back to the future" scenario as they work to secure an open skies agreement prior to Brexit. Such terms as Bermuda II are being cast about as the governments attempt to ensure sustained service in one of the world's most lucrative aviation markets.

Those negotiations are taking place in the age of President Donald Trump, his wildly fluctuating trade policy, and overall scrutiny of open skies agreements in the light of the years-long campaign by Big 3 US airlines to counteract what they deem to be unfair subsidies to Gulf airlines.

The bilateral between China and the US, which is also a leading market with high value, is busting at the seams. Given all the moving parts of trade policy and the general capriciousness of the US presidential administration, a high degree of uncertainty predominates over two of the most important markets from the US.