Open Skies between US and Macedonia

Greater chance for US – Skopje flights

The United States and Macedonia recently reached an Open Skies aviation agreement, which will allow airlines from both countries to select routes, destinations and prices for both passenger and cargo services based on consumer demand and market conditions. It is the first aviation agreement between the two countries. “By agreeing on an open market for aviation services now, we are setting the stage for travel and trade between the United State and Macedonia to develop in the future”, the United States Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said. “We welcome Macedonia as an Open Skies partner”, he added.

The Open Skies agreements allow unrestricted access by the airlines of each side to fly to, from and beyond the other’s territory, without restriction on how often carriers fly, the kind of aircraft they use and the prices they charge. The agreement came in to force immediately upon signing.

Currently, no Macedonian airline has the ability to offer any long haul flights. United States based airlines have been weary of operating flights to the region. Croatia also signed an Open Skies agreement with the USA recently. The agreement makes Macedonia the 103rd US Open Skies partner. Macedonia also signed an Open Skies agreement with Qatar several months ago.