Washington -- International travelers will probably enjoy increased airline service between the United States and Europe, beginning next year, under an agreement signed this week by the European Union and U.S. government.
The so-called "open skies" agreement allows airlines, for the first time, to offer service between any city in the 27-member nations of the European Union and any U.S. city, without limit on the number of flights, aircraft used, or routes. The pact removes World War II-era restrictions on air service between the United States and Europe.
"Already, the European airline industry is feeling its effects in a positive way, with plans for new services," Jacques Barrot, vice president of the European Commission, said in a statement.
Low-cost airline Ryanair, for example, is exploring transatlantic service between Dublin, Frankfurt, and Barcelona to New York, Dallas, and San Francisco. Virgin Atlantic may add flights to the United States from Paris, Zurich, and possibly other cities.
The agreement will probably affect U.S. air carriers less than their European counterparts. Major carriers like American and United previously won access to London's Heathrow Airport, the top destination for American business travelers to Europe, and thus the most lucrative transatlantic destination for U.S. airlines.
Airline industry analysts said the increased competition would likely exert downward pressure on fares.
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