Fed: Sydney Airport applauds open skies agreement

AAP General News (Australia)
02-15-2008
Fed: Sydney Airport applauds open skies agreement

CANBERRA, Feb 15 AAP - Sydney Airport says the open skies agreement reached between
Australia and the United States is great news.

Under previous restrictive arrangements, new airlines were permitted only four services
a week between the two nations.

Today Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said Australian and US airlines would now
able to determine the frequency of services routes without government interference.

Sydney Airport chief executive officer Russell Balding offered unqualified approval.

"The significant progress it (open skies) represents towards genuine open skies is
a positive development for the travelling public and the aviation industry," Mr Balding
said in a statement.

"With V Australia due to commence flights soon, this announcement provides the potential
for an important boost to the NSW tourism industry."

AAP pv/sb/cjh/mn

KEYWORD: SKIES SYDNEY

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