DOT 26-06
Friday, February 17, 2006
Contact: Bill Mosley
Tel.: (202) 366-4570

United States, Cameroon Sign Open-Skies Aviation Agreement

The United States and Cameroon signed a full Open-Skies agreement that will permit the airlines of both countries to operate air services between the two countries without restriction.

U.S. Department of State Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Jendayi E. Frazer and Cameroonian Minister of Transport Dakole Daissala signed the agreement on Feb. 16 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

“This agreement will allow U.S. airlines to provide their passengers with more options for travel to Africa while laying the foundation for Cameroon to serve as a gateway to and from the continent,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta said.

Open-Skies agreements permit unrestricted air service by the airlines of both sides between and beyond the other’s territory, without restrictions on how often the carriers can fly, the prices they charge, or the kind of aircraft they use. The accord with Cameroon also will allow all-cargo carriers to fly between the other country and third countries without directly connecting to their homeland.

The United States now has Open-Skies relationships with 75 aviation partners, including 16 in sub-Saharan Africa.

Briefing Room