Press Releases: U.S. Department of State Hosts Event To Commemorate International Aviation Milestones
Notice to the Press
Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs Patricia Haslach, European Commission Director General for Mobility and Transport Henrik Hololei, and General Counsel of the International Air Transport Association Jeffrey Shane will deliver keynote remarks at an event commemorating two international aviation milestones: the 25th anniversary of the first U.S. Open Skies agreement, signed with the Netherlands, and the 10th anniversary of the United States-European Union (EU) Open Skies agreement. The event will be held in partnership with the European Commission and take place July 10, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
The event also will feature panel discussions with U.S. and European government officials, international aviation industry representatives, and other experts. These sessions will focus on the record of the past 25 years and the benefits of the U.S.-EU and other Open Skies agreements. Ambassador Henne Schuwer of the Embassy of the Netherlands to the United States will give closing remarks.
The United States has concluded agreements with over 120 Open Skies partners since 1992. Open Skies allows airlines the rights to offer international passenger and cargo services and to make business decisions with minimal government interference, including regarding routes, frequencies, and aircraft type. Open Skies has vastly expanded flights to and from the United States, promoted increased travel and trade, and facilitated job creation and economic growth.
The entire event is open to the press; it will conclude at approximately 6:00 p.m.
Pre-set time for cameras: 1:00 p.m. from the 23rd Street entrance
Final access time for writers and still photographers: 1:30 p.m. from the 23rd Street entrance
Press may attend the event upon presentation of one of the following: (1) a U.S. Government-issued identification card (Department of State, White House, Congress, Department of Defense, or Foreign Press Center); (2) a media-issued photo identification card; or (3) a letter from their employer on letterhead verifying their employment as a journalist, accompanied by an official photo identification (driver’s license or passport).
Press are requested to RSVP to the Department of State Economic and Business Affairs Bureau (EB) at EPPDMedia@state.gov by July 7. Press with questions may contact the EB press office at (202) 647-0677 or the EU Delegation press office at (202) 862-9530 or Kasper.Zeuthen@eeas.europa.eu.