Bangladesh close to 'open skies' deal with US

Bangladesh and the US have signed an initial agreement to pave the way for an "open skies" deal between the two countries.
The agreement “creates opportunities for strengthening the economic partnership between the United States and Bangladesh through closer links in transport and trade,” according to a statement from the US State Department.
The initial agreement was signed on Thursday in Washington by the aviation officials of the two countries, following hectic negotiations for a couple of years.
The US government had asked Bangladesh to sign the open skies agreement after Dhaka sought permission to resume Biman Bangladesh Airlines' Dhaka-New York flights.
Open skies agreements allow air service by the airlines of both countries between and beyond the other's territory, allowing airline managements to determine how often to fly, the kind of aircraft to use, and the prices to charge.
“This agreement will strengthen and expand our strong trade, tourism and people-to-people links with Bangladesh, benefitting US and Bangladeshi businesses and travellers by expanding opportunities for air services,” said the statement released on Friday.
However, it could not be known when the final agreement will be signed between the two countries.
The US has such agreements with more than 100 partners around the world.
Air Commodore Mahmud Hussain, chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, initialled the agreement on behalf of the government, said Akramul Qader, the Bangladesh ambassador to the US, by phone.
“Defence or military aircraft are not included in the agreement,” the Bangladesh envoy said.
Meanwhile, US Ambassador in Dhaka Dan W Mozena at a function in the city said: “This is another important step towards direct link between New York and Dhaka.”