New Pact to Boost U.S.-France Flights

The U.S. and France signed a civil aviation agreement that will lift restrictions on commercial airline schedules in five years and increase flights between the two countries by 42% in the meantime. The new treaty is intended to increase competition and lead to lower fares. French and U.S. airlines can immediately increase their total flights to 212 per week between the two countries, from the current 149. In five years, carriers will be able to schedule as many trips as they want to whichever cities they choose. New services will start this summer, with United Airlines adding a second daily flight between Paris and Washington, and US Airways starting service between Paris and Pittsburgh, a city that has never had a direct flight to France. Air France has pushed for a new treaty to allow it to fully implement its alliances with Delta Air Lines and Continental Airlines. The pact also allows U.S. and French cargo carriers to operate unlimited air service between France and the U.S.