” ” "It is the start of a new era for transatlantic aviation. This agreement will translate into more competition and cheaper flights to the United States": Jacques Barrot, deputy president of the EU Commission and transport councillor, presents the "open skies" agreement between the 27 member states and the USA, due to be enforced on 30th March. All the European airline companies, from now on, can directly fly to the United States from anywhere in Europe. "The agreement explains the EU Executive repeals all the restrictions on routes, prices or number of flights per week. From Sunday, many airline companies will increase the number of their flights and destinations. Flights between London-Heathrow and the United States, for example, will be nearly 20% more than in April 2007". The one between the two coasts of the Atlantic Ocean, with 50 million passengers a year, accounts for 60% of the world’s air transport, "Our goal adds Barrot is to create a borderless flight zone between the EU and the USA". According to the EU Commission, increased competition between airline companies should result in a reduction in ticket prices to the benefit of the consumers, while 80 thousand jobs might be created.
