Press Releases
United States, Russia Agree on Expanded Air Services
October 06, 2005
DOT 148-05
Contact: Bill Mosley
Tel.: (202) 366-4570
U.S. passenger and cargo carriers will be able to fly more routes to popular Asian destinations thanks to new airspace rights agreed to yesterday between the United States and Russia. The new agreement significantly increases the rights of U.S. carriers to fly over Russian airspace on flights between the United States and Asia, including via cross-polar routes.
U.S. cargo carriers will benefit from improved routings and expanded service opportunities on routes to their cargo hubs in Asia. And, for the first time, the agreement allows U.S. cargo and passenger carriers to transit Russian airspace on non-stop flights between the United States and India. U.S. carriers also will have expanded opportunities to use Russia's cross-polar overflight routes on non-stop services to China.
"This administration is committed to removing barriers to international aviation services so that airlines may respond to market demand and provide better, more convenient service for their customers," U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta said. "This agreement provides significant new opportunities for U.S. carriers to connect passengers and cargo in the United States with Asia."
The agreement, reached after two days of talks in Washington, also expands opportunities for carriers of the two countries to code share on services between the United States and Russia by providing additional points to be served on a code-share only basis. This provision was a key goal for the Russian government as Russian carrier Aeroflot prepares to join the SkyTeam Alliance, which also includes U.S. carriers Delta Air Lines, Continental Airlines and Northwest Airlines.
During the talks, the U.S. delegation commended the Russian Federation for its pioneering role in developing the cross-polar routes.
The agreement amends the annexes to the 1994 Air Transport Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Russian Federation. The annexes to the agreement, which are valid until March 25, 2007, cover scheduled, charter and overflight rights.