US, Ukraine Sign Open Skies Civil Aviation Agreement

The United States and Ukraine signed an Open Skies agreement to expand commercial and cargo flights between the two countries, the State Department announced in a statement on Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — US Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Catherine Novelli and Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Andriy Pyvovarsky signed the agreement in Washington, DC.

The agreement cuts out the role of governments in determining commercial and cargo airline decision on routes, pricing and capacity. The agreement is meant to provide more affordable, flexible and efficient air service.

“This agreement strengthens bilateral economic ties and facilitates the growth of civil aviation between the United States and Ukraine,” the State Department said.

The United States has signed Open Skies agreements with 115 countries.