HSLD

Today the US signed an Open Skies agreement with Saudi Arabia that will "...permit unrestricted air service by the airlines of both countries between and beyond the other’s territory, eliminating restrictions on how often the carriers fly, the kind of aircraft they use and the prices they charge..."

United States and Saudi Arabia Sign Open Skies Air Transport Agreement

Another article out today highlights that the #1 airline in the US (Alaska Airlines), ranks #49 globally

Travelers Say: For Friendly Skies, Don't Pick a U.S. Airline - DailyFinance

In fact, last year's Skytrax World Airline Awards which were held at the Farnborough Air Show on 12th July 2012 recognized very few US based airlines. Further, NO US Airlines ranked in the top 10 of the following categories:

World's Top 10 Airlines
World's Most Improved Airline
Best Inflight Entertainment
Best Transpacific Airline
Best Transatlantic Airline
World's Best Cabin Staff

(Cross your fingers for the 2013 edition this July).

Admittedly, Skytrax is to Europe as JD Power is to the US so seeing US airlines lower on the list isn't surprising. But if one considers the rankings in a global context that could influence consumer habits against the backdrop of Open Skies, you can see that US based international airlines have a problem.

JoeyMeatballs

This doesn't allow point to point within the states does it?

MatthewAMEL

No. Cabotage is still illegal.

HSLD

No it's not cabotage, the way I read the press release is that it's 5th freedom rights, although it could be 7th freedom rights.

cactusmike

Wow, that's awesome, because so many people want to fly to Saudi Arabia. Good news for all

CRM114

The reverse is true, Saudi airlines can fly to the US, pick up passengers and fly them under 5th freedom rights, without pricing, market access, or frequency constraints. Should the UAE (were Emirates is based) obtain the same rights, US airlines' international revenue is Hosed (with a capital H).

captjns

And who is gonna wanna fly on an airline of the evil empire that serves no booze?

lolwut

US-Europe-Saudi Arabia

Bet they'll carry a lot of our pax on US-Europe flights. Ugh.

captjns

Bet they don't, unless they are deportees.

80ktsClamp

The only thing this will do is benefit Saudi airlines. It will do nothing but hurt US carriers. Brilliant.