The UAE today welcomed the outcome of recent discussions on civil aviation with the United States in which both countries strongly reaffirmed the 2002 UAE-US Air Transport Agreement (ATA) and the fundamental principles of Open Skies, Khaleej Times reported.
"The UAE is very pleased that our understanding with the US preserves all of the benefits of Open Skies for travelers, airlines, communities and aerospace companies in both countries and around the world," said UAE Ambassador to the US Yousef Al Otaiba. "All the terms and provisions of the Air Transport Agreement including Fifth Freedom rights remain fully in place, with UAE and US airlines free to continue to add and adjust routes and services."
In a Record of Discussion signed and released by the two governments, the UAE and the US "reaffirmed their strong support for the Air Transport Agreement, including all rights to conduct international air transportation contained therein." In the Record of Discussion, the UAE maintained that the "UAE and its designated carriers are and have been at all times in full compliance with the Agreement."
All current and future rights for both countries' carriers to fly all flights, including Fifth Freedom flights, remain in place as an outcome of the discussions. Airlines in both countries are free to continue to add, reduce or adjust flights and services consistent with the broad provisions of the 2002 ATA. These rights allow US and UAE airlines to operate services to the other via third counties.