Singapore open skies agreement signed

A significant open skies agreement between the UK and Singapore was officially signed earlier this week.

Under the terms of the agreement, all restrictions on air travel services between the two regions have been lifted, allowing airlines in each country to have unlimited access to the aviation market in the other nation.

Such a deal could lead to UK passengers benefiting from a wider choice of flights to Singapore and potentially lower air fares.

"This is a major step forward in extending the benefits of open aviation agreements such as travellers already enjoy within Europe," transport secretary Ruth Kelly remarked.

A number of carriers have recently announced plans to operate extra transatlantic flights as a result of the open skies pact between the European Union and the USA, which was signed earlier this year.

Both the Singapore and USA agreements will come into effect in March next year.

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