Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
May 18, 2023
On May 18 in Chisinau, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma and Moldova Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Lilia Dabija, with Prime Minister Dorin Recean, signed an Open Skies Air Transport Agreement (“Agreement”) between the Government of the United States and the Government of the Republic of Moldova — the first bilateral air transport agreement negotiated by the two countries.
The Agreement establishes a modern civil aviation relationship with Moldova. It includes unrestricted capacity and frequency of services, open route rights, a liberal charter regime, and open code-sharing opportunities. The Agreement will be applied provisionally once signed and will enter into force following an exchange of diplomatic notes confirming that all necessary internal procedures for entry into force of the Agreement have been completed.
This Agreement with Moldova will expand our strong economic and commercial partnership, promote people-to-people ties, and create new opportunities for airlines, travel companies, and customers. Air carriers can provide more affordable, convenient, and efficient air services to travelers and shippers, promoting tourism and commerce. The Agreement also commits both governments to high standards of aviation safety and security.
The new Agreement builds on a framework of U.S. Open Skies agreements with over 130 other partners that enable U.S. air carriers to operate and expand flight networks beyond America’s borders and connect the U.S. economy to growing markets.
For further information, please contact the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs Press Office at EB-Press-Inquiry@state.gov for press inquiries. Information on U.S. aviation policy and Open Skies agreements is available on the Department of State’s website here: https://www.state.gov/air-transport-agreements/