WASHINGTON -- The U.S. and Indonesia signed an open skies agreement
July 26, removing all restrictions to, from and beyond each other's
country.
U.S. Transportation Department Secretary Norman Mineta called
the 65th U.S. open skies deal "an important step forward in the
Bush administration's effort to create open markets for aviation
services throughout the Asian region."
Separately, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency approved more
than $1.1 million in grants to Indonesia to help the country
improve its aviation infrastructure.
The money is to be used for air traffic control systems and
equipment to help Indonesia safely manage its airspace above the
Natuna Islands, improve the Indonesian airline industry's passenger
reservation system, and fund security and safety assessments at
four Indonesian airports.
Mineta said the grants would help Indonesia "fully capture the
benefits of open skies."
To contact reporter Andrew Compart, send e-mail to [email protected].