The US Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta praised a landmark agreement signed with India on Friday saying an open skies deal would contribute to the improvement in relations between the two countries.

The agreement was signed Friday between Norman Mineta and India’s civil aviation minister Praful Patel. Under the new agreement, airlines from both countries are allowed to operate desired number of flights in each country.
The deal is expected to widely stimulate airline flights in the two countries, especially such flights to such places as Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Newark (New Jersey) and other big city flights in the US. “This agreement will stimulate new passenger and cargo services, new partnerships, innovation and lower prices to the benefit of our countries, our economies, our businesses and our citizens,” said Mr Patel.

Today, Indian carriers operate 28 flights to the US a week. Mr. Patel called the agreement «the most liberal» in India’s international relations.

Delta Airlines said it has an option to set connection between New York and Chennai after the deal comes to force. Northwest Airlines are expected to set start opearting flights between Minneapolis and Bangalore.
"If prior experience is any indicator, this bilateral `open skies’ agreement between India and the U.S. will stimulate new passenger and cargo services, new partnerships, innovation, and lower prices to the benefit of our economies, our businesses and our citizens," Mr. Mineta said about the agreement.

New agreement will replace an old 1956 Air Services Agreement. It will contribute to removing the earlier restriction of code-share rights to any five points in the territories of both countries.