The UK and US governments have today signed a new bilateral Air Services Agreement that will cover air travel between the two countries after the end of the Brexit transition period.
The arrangement, signed by UK transport secretary Grant Shapps, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and US transportation secretary Elaine Chao, replaces the current EU agreement and is expected to come into force on 1 January. The agreement was actually concluded in November 2018.
The government says the agreement will “preserve the continuation of travel, protect the economy and ensure the UK remains one of the world’s leading aviation hubs for both travellers and businesses”. The trading relationship between the two countries is worth £230 billion.
Shapps said: “The Air Services Agreement will allow us to continue to travel and trade with one of our closest friends and allies, working together to mutually boost our economies, either side of the Atlantic. This is just one of many steps we’re taking as we move towards a bright new future at the end of the transition period.”
“This historic US-UK Open Skies Agreement builds upon the special relationship that exists between our nations,” said Chao.
The agreement will enter into full legal force after completion of both sides’ procedures for an international agreement.