Air Transport Services

We Support Air Transport Services with Open Skies

The Office of Supply Chain Services (SCS) is committed to advancing the competitiveness and growth of the U.S. air transport services industry by fostering market access opportunities and conducting analysis to strengthen U.S. air transport networks, with a particular focus on identifying and mitigating risks to air cargo movement. We engage regularly with industry stakeholders to stay informed of emerging trends and ensure that U.S. government policies reflect the sector’s evolving needs. Additionally, SCS provides industry analysis to inform policy on air transport services, closely monitoring key issues and potential disruptions to cargo movement and working collaboratively with the industry to proactively address challenges.

SCS also works to grow international aviation markets by advancing the United States’ international aviation policy known as “Open Skies.” Open Skies bilateral and multilateral agreements remove government-imposed restrictions on routes, capacity, pricing, and aircraft use, allowing airlines to offer more flexible and affordable services, benefiting both consumers and shippers. Open Skies agreements also:

• Promote competition
• Enhance cooperation with foreign aviation partners, and
• Streamline cargo operations

By driving tourism and supporting just-in-time supply chain operations, air services play a critical role in attracting investment and supporting local economies. To date, the United States has negotiated over 130 Open Skies agreements with partners worldwide, thereby increasing access to and availability of air travel and supporting increased passenger traffic and cargo movement.