Open Skies

Open skies is an international policy concept that calls for the liberalization of the rules and regulations of the international aviation industry—especially commercial aviation—in order to create a free-market environment for the airline industry. Its primary objectives are:

  • to liberalize the rules for international aviation markets and minimize government intervention as it applies to passenger, all-cargo, and combination air transportation as well as scheduled and charter services; and
  • to adjust the regime under which military and other state-based flights may be permitted.

For open skies to become effective, a bilateral (and sometimes multilateral) Air Transport Agreement must be concluded between two or more nations.

Read more about Open Skies:  Background, First Step Towards A Civil Transport Regime, Civil Transport Open Skies, Key Open Skies Provisions, Military Regulation

Famous quotes containing the words open and/or skies:

    Let us presently go sit in council,
    How covert matters may be best disclosed
    And open perils surest answered.
    William Shakespeare (1564–1616)

    O make harmonious mix of voice and string
    To him by whom the skies with clouds are lin’d;
    By whom the rain, from clouds to drop assign’d,
    Supples the clods of summer-scorched fields,
    —Bible: Hebrew Psalm CXLVII (Paraphrased by The Countess of Pembroke)