A new UK-US open skies pact as been brokered despite continued political uncertainty over Brexit.
The arrangement will replace the existing EU aviation agreement with the US.
It comes as the UK continues to cement global ties as it prepares for a future outside the European bloc.
The fresh agreement ensures the UK remains one of the world’s leading aviation hubs after Brexit for both travellers and businesses.
The signing comes as discussions regarding a new bilateral air services arrangement with Canada reach an “advanced stage”.
On top of this, the political declaration agreed between the UK and EU provides for a comprehensive air transport agreement to ensure connectivity for passenger and cargo flights through market access for UK and EU airlines, according to the Department for Transport.
The new US aviation deal is one of nine new bilateral arrangements the government has already concluded with countries around the world such as Albania, Georgia, Iceland, Israel, Kosovo, Montenegro, Morocco and Switzerland.
Willie Walsh, chief executive of British Airways owner International Airlines Group, welcomed the transatlantic deal and said: “It’s critical that Britain maintains full access to international aviation markets so it can continue to develop its global trading links. This agreement is a significant positive development which we welcome.
“The agreement, which closely follows the model US open skies agreement, facilitates strong competition and is clearly pro-consumer. The US is a major destination for British businesses and tourists while the UK welcomes many American visitors to its shores.”
Virgin Atlantic CEO Craig Kreeger said: “We are thrilled that UK and US governments have reached an agreement which will enable our customers to continue travelling as normal between the UK and US post Brexit.
“We would like to thank the Department for Transport, Department of Transportation and Department of State for their diligence and hard work in finalising this agreement far in advance of the March 2019 deadline which will provide much needed reassurance for both business and leisure travellers.
“We will continue to work with governments and stakeholders across our network to ensure our customers can continue to travel seamlessly.”
Manchester Airports Group chief strategy officer Tim Hawkins said: “The government’s new aviation deal with the US government is hugely positive for passengers and businesses flying on US routes from our airports – because it gives clear reassurance on flights post-Brexit and provides an ‘open-skies’ agreement that will encourage competition and choice in the long term.”
The government will now work closely with industry to continue to look for opportunities to expand the UK’s global aviation network even further and remains committed to a competitive and liberalised aviation sector, the DfT said.
The new open skies agreement announced by transport secretary Chris Grayling yesterday will guarantee the continuation of vital transatlantic routes.
It also protects a £50 billion trading relationship between the UK and the US that is supported by air travel.
The deal ensures that flights from the UK will continue to enjoy the same access they currently have with the US.
These arrangements will allow airlines to continue to operate undisturbed and aid the development of new services for the future, according to the transport department.
The DfT added: “The government’s commitment to growing and investing in the aviation sector remains strong and the aviation strategy, due to be published shortly, will build on today’s announcement outlining a range of new measures that benefit the environment, passengers and businesses across the UK.”
Grayling said: “The UK and United States have a special relationship which has helped shape the modern world and there is no better example of this than in aviation.
“Our transatlantic flights have helped to bring our countries even closer together, strengthening our ties and boosting our economies.
“This new arrangement and those concluded with eight other countries around the world are proof that the UK will continue to be a major player on the world stage after we leave the EU.”