Australia-US open skies provided considerable opportunities for Australian airlines

Australia's deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese, speaking at the CAPA Australia Pacific Aviation Summit, stated (07-Aug-2013) the 2008 open skies agreement with the US "has provided great opportunities for increasing trade and commercial links between Australia and the United States". He added, "Not only did this agreement open the door for Virgin Australia to enter the US market, it also allowed for Qantas and Jetstar to increase services. That means greater service levels, more destinations, lower air fares. And in response, the numbers flying between Australia and the US have increased from 1.9 million in 2008 to almost 2.8 million in the past year". [more - original PR]