05 October 2007

Singapore and the UK announce new "open skies" air services agreement

On 3 October 2007 Singapore and the United Kingdom announced that they have concluded a new "open skies" air services agreement to come into effect in March 2008. Notable features include no restrictions on fifth freedom rights (including for Singaporean airlines unrestricted rights to serve the UK-US market), and exchanges of seventh freedom and cabotage rights.

In practical terms, constraints on slots at London Heathrow will be a factor in the extent to which Singapore Airlines will be able to take advantage of the opportunities that will be available.

1 comment:

Libertyscott said...

John, does Singapore have the rights with the US to utilise the open skies agreement to use these fifth freedom rights from the UK?

If so, SQ would be welcome on the obvious LHR-EWR route (allowing SQ to say it flies around the world!) as no Star Alliance carrier flies London-New York direct - although the future of its ownership of VS would be a factor in this!