U.S. and Brazil one step closer to Open Skies

Brazil’s Senate approved an Open Skies agreement with the United States that would allow an unlimited number of flights between the two countries. The treaty, which is expected to be signed by Brazil’s President Michel Temer, is a requirement for the U.S. Department of Transportation to approve a new partnership between American Airlines and LATAM Airlines. This proposed deal would allow the two carriers to coordinate their schedules and connections.

Proponents of the plan say Open Skies will bring more plentiful and cheaper flight options for travelers. This comes at an important time as the number of Americans planning trips to Brazil has jumped 70 percent since the Brazilian government recently launched an electronic visa system that makes it cheaper and faster for travelers to obtain authorization to travel to this rising South American nation.

Airport overhaul at Newark forges ahead

While redevelopment at Newark Liberty Airport has been underway for a while, the Board of Commissioners for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey approved additional funding for the Terminal One project. Under the plan, Terminal A, which is being upgraded, will be renamed Terminal One. New roadways and a pedestrian bridge are included in the project along with updated technology throughout the facility and new dining and retail spaces. Terminal One is expected to be available for partial use in 2021 and fully operational by 2022. As with any construction project travelers should allow extra time to transit the airport. More information can be found at https://www.newarkairport.com.