Aviation industry reflecting changing attitudes to open skies and free trade

Australia's Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development GM aviation industry policy Stephen Borthwick, speaking at the CAPA Airport Innovation Day Summit, said (03-Aug-2016) the system of bilateral air transport agreements is outdated and ill-suited to the commercial reality of modern aviation. Mr Borthwick said any multilateral agreement is many years away and noted a trend away from open skies and free trade and towards protectionism rather than liberalisation. Mr Borthwick said some states are trying to ensure their airlines are protected. Mr Borthwick said, "attitudes are changing and the aviation industry reflects that."