The US and the EC have signed a memorandum of co-operation to work more closely on air traffic management
The agreement could lead to quicker transatlantic flights for travellers and reduced fuel consumption by aircraft.
The initial agreement was signed in Madrid by Daniel Calleja, the EC's director of air transport, and Hank Krakowski, the US Federal Aviation Authority's chief operating officer.
The EC said the memorandum will let the two sides jointly pursue common objective including greener travel and amore efficient air transport systems.
The two sides will also co-operate on research into "safety, security, environment, performance, alternative fuels, aircraft design, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), sub-orbital airplanes, satellite-based communications and related ATM applications."
The EC said it hoped to get agreement form the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament to implement the agreement by next year.
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/index_en.htm www.faa.gov