The UK transport secretary, Grant Shapps, has today (17 November 2020) signed a new bilateral Air Services Agreement “safeguarding” the future of air travel between the UK and US past the end of the transition period.
The Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, signed on behalf of the US, along with the Transportation Secretary, Elaine Chao.
The arrangement will replace the current EU agreement.
The department of transport said that the announcement will help ensure that the UK remains open for business with major economies around the world.
Its estimated the current trading relationship is worth over £230 billion.
Shapps said: “The Air Services Agreement will allow us to continue to travel and trade with one of our closest friends and allies, working together to mutually boost our economies either side of the Atlantic. This is just one of many steps we’re taking as we move towards a bright new future at the end of the transition period.”
The Agreement will enter into full legal force after completion of both sides’ procedures for an international agreement.