The open skies air service agreement enabling Fiji Airways to operate flights to and from Fort Worth International Airport in Dallas, Texas, was signed this week by Fiji and Australia. The US Department of State announced the signing, conducted by Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell and Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ meeting in Nuku’alofa, Tonga.
This new open skies agreement aims to enhance aviation cooperation between the two nations. According to the Department of State, “The agreement will elevate the civil aviation transportation relationship between the United States and Fiji to the highest modern standard.”
The agreement is expected to strengthen economic and commercial ties, promote cultural exchanges, and create new opportunities for travelers and airlines. Fiji Airways plans to initiate non-stop flights between Dallas and Fiji in December.
The agreement will facilitate more affordable, convenient, and efficient air services for both travelers and shippers, thereby boosting tourism and commerce. It also includes commitments from both governments to uphold high standards of aviation safety and security.
Provisions of the agreement encompass unrestricted capacity and frequency for both passenger and cargo services, open route rights, a charter regime, self-handling options, and opportunities for code-sharing. This new arrangement reinforces a broader framework of US Open Skies agreements with over 135 partners, allowing US carriers to expand their flight networks internationally and connect with growing markets.