Event Transcript: Open Aviation for a Global Industry

by Braden Cox
September 1, 2003

Transcript available in pdf format

Open Aviation for a Global Industry:

Removing the Last Barriers to Airline Competition

held on August 14, 2003 in Washington, DC

This year marks the 100^th anniversary of the Wright brothers’ historic flight that gave birth to the aviation industry. A century later, regulatory controls that restrict transatlantic competition are still in place in the United States. Bi-lateral “Open Skies” agreements between the U.S. and over 50 other countries have relaxed some of the restrictions but they still do not allow for the kind of freedoms existing in other worldwide industries. Fortunately, those restrictions could soon be lifted.

The European Union is working toward creating an “Open Aviation Area” with the U.S. that will create increased commercial opportunities for the global aviation industry. In addition, the U.S. is considering a revision of its rules that limit foreign ownership of U.S. airlines and allow for increased foreign ownership and capital investment.

Opening Remarks: Robert L. Crandall, former CEO, American Airlines

Keynote Luncheon Address: Michael E. Levine, Professor, Yale Law School

Panelists included:

John Byerly, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs, U.S. Department of State

Brian Havel, Associate Professor, DePaul University College of Law

Paul Mifsud, Vice President, Government and Legal Affairs, KLM

Michael Reynolds, Acting Assistant Secretary for Aviation & International Affairs, U.S. Department of Transportation

Dorothy Robyn, Senior Consultant, The Brattle Group

Michael Whitaker, Vice President, International and Regulatory Affairs, United Airlines