Part of the transition from regionalization to globalization in the world economy is adaptation of the “Open Skies” policy. Aviation accounts for $1 trillion in global economic activity and creates 22 million jobs. An efficient air transport system is vital for the expansion of trade and commerce, including electronic commerce.
The following are key elements of Open Sky agreements:

1.Open Routes and Designations: An unlimited number of airlines share behind-homeland, homeland gateway, intermediate, and beyond points with full traffic rights.

2. Unrestricted Routing Flexibility: Routing to points in any order, omission of points, etc., subject only to a service nexus with homeland (unless there is an agreement on Seventh Freedom traffic rights). Also, allows “starburst” change of gauge.

3. Unrestricted Capacity and Frequency: Choice of equipment granted with any seating configuration.
4. Open Code-Sharing: Code-sharing between carriers of both sides, and between each carrier and third-country carriers.

5. Double-Disapproval Pricing: Prices are determined solely by carriers, except when both governments disapprove, and then only under limited and specified conditions.

6. Liberal Charter Regime: Passenger and all-cargo services have the right to operate flights from either side’s territory using the rules of either side (applicable consumer protection requirements still apply).

7. Liberal Cargo Regime: No restriction on passenger designations, routes, capacity or frequency.

8. Safety and Security: the right to suspend services if the requirements are not met.

9. Liberal Doing-Business Provision: Consists of the right to provide self-handling at airports in the other country, the convert and remit revenues, etc.

10. Charge Provision: User fees must be fair, reasonable, and related to the cost of providing services.

11. Fair and Equal Opportunity to Compete: There must be a level playing field.

12. Computer Reservation System: Airlines are allowed to operate their CRS systems in the other side’s territory in a fair manner.