The Business Travel Coalition (BTC) reports the launch of OpenSkies.travel, a coalition of global organizations to promote open skies policies and aviation competition.
"Open Skies agreements entered into between governments around the world are under attack by some U.S. and EU airlines that seek to block new competition," BTC said, citing efforts to block Norwegian Air International's application to serve the U.S. as an example.
"The benefits from these agreements are at significant risk," BTC founder and chair Kevin Mitchell said. "Some airlines want to perversely reinterpret or revise Open Skies agreements with a clear objective of frustrating foreign airline new entry and undermining the benefits to consumers, communities and economies around the world."
"OpenSkies.travel believes that a new level of vigilance is required to maintain the integrity of Open Skies agreements. If foreign carrier new entry is not assured in the U.S., then Open Skies agreements and benefits would be at risk for all stakeholders around the world," Mitchell said.
"Consumers would face higher fares, less choice, declining customer service, diminished innovation and restricted connectivity to important global business and tourist centers. New airline entry is among the very few remedies available to offset airline industry consolidation and protect consumers," according to Mitchell.
Among the objectives of OpenSkies.travel are educating the U.S. Congress, the EU Parliament and other legislatures on the benefits of Open Skies agreements, BTC said.