The Other Open Skies Debate: U.S. Carriers Jockey for Position in China
Skift Take
Open Skies agreements also have a good side for U.S. airlines. The side over the Pacific is particularly attractive.
Even before the heated debate on Open Skies policy between the big three U.S. airlines and the big three Gulf airlines over transatlantic routes, a curious dynamic has been brewing with U.S. carriers wishing for Open Skies extensions over the Pacific.
As a recent report by OAG Aviation asks: Is it time for China-U.S. Open Skies?
By capitalizing on the established U.S.-China Air Transport Agreement, U.S. carriers have dramatically grown their market share on routes to China, even moving up plans to expand services to capitalize on the benefits of recent, more liberal visa policies.
The principle argument in favor of extending existing air transport agreements between the U.S. and China to full Open Skies agreements hinges on the considerable projected growth of demand in
