Fiji has finalized a significant bilateral air transport agreement with the United States, strengthening the relationship between the two nations. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell signed the agreement in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, during the third day of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
The Fiji Open Skies Agreement aims to enhance tourism and trade between Fiji and the US. US Ambassador to Fiji, Marie Damour, indicated that the agreement will promote reciprocal travel and stimulate economic activities between the two countries.
She noted that Fiji Airways’ collaborations with JetBlue, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines have already strengthened the aviation connections, and this new agreement will further enhance that partnership.
Damour emphasized that by establishing this growth-oriented, competitive, and consumer-friendly agreement, Fiji aligns itself with a group of partners dedicated to fostering an open and modern air services market. She acknowledged the importance of the strong ties between the US and Fiji, highlighting their history of peacekeeping collaboration, regional security, and the potential for closer economic relations moving forward.