The United States and Angola have officially signed an Open Skies Air Transport Agreement aimed at boosting bilateral aviation cooperation. The agreement was signed in Luanda by U.S. Ambassador to Angola, Tulinabo S. Mushingi, and Angola’s Secretary of State for International Cooperation and Angolan Communities, Ambassador Domingos Custodio Vieira Lopes.
In a statement issued by the U.S. State Department on October 21, 2024, the agreement is described as a significant step toward modernizing the civil aviation relationship between both nations.
“The Agreement brings the civil aviation transportation relationship between the United States and Angola to the highest modern standard,” the statement noted.
The new Open Skies Agreement enhances the strong economic and commercial ties between the two countries, offering new opportunities for travelers, shippers, and airlines, and promoting tourism and commerce.
“This pro-consumer, pro-growth, and pro-competition agreement marks Angola’s commitment to maintaining high standards of aviation safety and security,” the U.S. government emphasized.
Key provisions of the agreement include unrestricted capacity and frequency of services for both passenger and cargo carriers, open route rights, open charter services, self-handling provisions, and expanded code-sharing opportunities. The agreement, which was initially applied in April 2023, will officially enter into force once both countries complete necessary internal procedures.
This partnership adds Angola to a list of over 135 countries with which the United States has established Open Skies agreements, helping U.S. airlines to expand their networks and connect the U.S. economy to global markets.
