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Open Skies Travel: Transpacific Routes Now (Sorta) Open

The United States and Australia just finalized a deal to make flying between the two countries easier--and maybe cheaper. The Sydney-LAX route that's been in Qantas' back pocket for all these years will be open to competition, much to the thrill of V Australia, the Virgin Blue offshoot.

Of course not everyone's happy. Singapore Airlines got locked out of the newly open market because the agreement will only allow US and Aussie carriers access. (That was a move to keep the Australian flag carrier happy despite the increased competition it would face.)

Now that everything's official, it's time to start watching the newly open skies. Qantas is hoping to start A380 service on the route and has already announced plans to add more frequency. V Australia will fly 777s when it begins service. No other airlines have announced new transpacific routes, but it's possible we'll hear something soon. As long as it's from an American carrier, that is.

Related Stories:
· US, Australia Reach Open Skies Agreement [AP, via Google]
· Flying to Oz Might Get Cheaper [Jaunted]

[Photo: monkeyc.net]