US, BRAZIL AGREE OPEN SKIES FRAMEWORK

The US State Department has agreed the framework for an open-skies aviation deal with Brazil. The deal will increase the available number of flights between the countries from next October, with barriers on the busiest routes, to and from Sao Paulo’s airports, reducing from 2013. The deal, agreed on Friday, includes most elements of an open-skies deal. Brazilian officials are likely to sign the deal without changes. Brazil expects ticket prices to fall, passengers to increase, and more connections between cities in Brazil and the US.