Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Chargé d’ Affaires Eric Khant and Jamaica’s Minister of Transport and Mining Robert Montague signed an agreement to amend the U.S.-Jamaica Air Transport Agreement of 2008 to include seventh-freedom rights for all-cargo operations, effective as of the date of signing. Seventh-freedom rights permit flights between a second and third country without touching the airline’s home country. These rights facilitate the efficient and cost-effective movement of goods, strengthen global express delivery cargo networks, enhance connectivity and competitiveness, and promote economic growth.

Air Transport Agreements provide air traffic rights for airlines to offer international passenger and cargo services. The modern Open Skies Air Transport Agreement between Jamaica and the United States eliminates government intervention in commercial airline decisions about routes, capacity, and pricing. By increasing market access, the Agreement enables airlines of both of our countries to provide affordable, convenient, and efficient air service for consumers and businesses, and is a valuable tool to promote economic and employment growth.

These initiatives underscore the U.S. government’s commitment to the Caribbean as outlined in the Caribbean 2020 strategy – the U.S. policy framework to enhance partnerships in security, energy, diplomacy, prosperity, education, and health in the Caribbean region.

For more details, please click the following link: https://www.state.gov/e/eb/tra/ata/index.htm For details on Caribbean 2020 please click: https://www.state.gov/p/wha/rt/caribbeanstrategy/index.htm