Support Open Skies

Open Skies agreements have played a critical role in expanding global passenger travel and cargo flights to and from the United States, promoting increased travel and trade, enhancing productivity and creating job opportunities and economic growth both here in Wisconsin and across the country.

The goal of Open Skies agreements is to eliminate government involvement in airline decisionmaking about routes, capacity and pricing in international markets. Unfortunately, Open Skies agreements are under attack from major U.S. based airlines like Delta who seek to build a monopoly in the international travel market.

Open Skies agreements must be preserved in order to preserve our open airways and reduce excessive regulation on international travel. Below are some compelling reasons Wisconsinites should urge the Trump administration to preserve Open Skies.

If you travel internationally, you can thank Open Skies for reducing the cost of your airfare. Economists estimate that airfare on routes covered under Open Skies agreements is 32% lower than regulated international routes.

Open Skies agreements also play a critical role in increasing international travel and cargo flights between the U.S. and other countries. In 2014, over one million international travelers visited the U.S., spending on average $4,300. Contributing well over $4 billion to our country’s GDP generating tax revenue and family supporting jobs right here in Wisconsin and across the country.

In order to preserve the world’s open airways, Wisconsinites should urge the Trump administration to continue stand up for the American people and maintain Open Skies.

Matthew J. Cordio President, Skills Pipeline

Milwaukee