Fiji Airways is set to officially commence operations to and from Fort Worth International Airport in Dallas, Texas, following the signing of an open skies air service agreement between Fiji and Australia this week.
The US Department of State announced the agreement was initialed by US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell and Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on the sidelines of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ meeting in Nuku’alofa, Tonga.
This new open skies agreement is expected to enhance bilateral aviation cooperation between the United States and Fiji. The State Department highlighted that it will elevate the civil aviation transportation relationship to a modern standard.
The agreement aims to strengthen the economic and commercial partnership, foster personal connections, and create new opportunities for airlines, travel companies, and customers. Following this agreement, Fiji Airways plans to introduce non-stop flights between Dallas and Fiji starting in December.
Air carriers will have the ability to offer more affordable, convenient, and efficient services to travelers and shippers, with a focus on promoting tourism and commerce. The agreement also emphasizes a commitment to high standards of aviation safety and security.
Key features of the agreement include unrestricted capacity and frequency of services for both passenger and all-cargo carriers, open route rights, an open charter system, self-handling provisions, and opportunities for code-sharing. The agreement is now in effect and builds on a broader framework of US Open Skies agreements with over 135 other partners, facilitating the expansion of US air carriers’ networks and connecting the US economy to emerging markets.