About the Author: Jose W. Fernandez serves as Assistant Secretary of State forEconomic, Energy, and Business Affairs.

Earlier today, Under Secretary William J. Burns signed an Open Skies Air Transport agreement with Colombian Foreign Minister Maria Angela Holguin. Signing this agreement not only demonstrates the excellent state of our bilateral relations, but also holds the promise of an even closer partnership between our two countries. Open Skies will strengthen and expand already strong linkages between us, benefiting U.S. and Colombian businesses and travelers by expanding air service and encouraging vigorous price competition by airlines, while safeguarding aviation safety and security. 

Consumers and businesses will begin seeing the benefits of this agreement almost immediately. Colombia is a major aviation partner of the United States; every year more than two million passengers travel between our two countries. In fact, the United States is Colombia’s top aviation market, and… more »