Posted on 03/16/2019 4:41:53 AM PDT by Kaslin
In 1987, then-real estate mogul Donald Trump laid out the strategies and wisdom that built him one of America’s largest real estate empires in his book The Art of the Deal. Now, as President of the United States, Donald Trump has been using those same tactics to deliver real results for the American people, and it’s time he gets some credit for his work.
The first people in line to thank him should be America’s air travelers, as we’re approaching the one-year anniversary of the Trump administration’s decision to protect America’s Open Skies agreements with some of our key global partners. To provide a little bit of background, the U.S. government negotiates Open Skies agreements with foreign countries to open up the market for air travel worldwide.
Before the existence of such agreements, foreign governments pulled the strings when it came to decisions about air service within their borders. How many flights were allowed to enter the country, how many people could be accommodated on board, and how much airline tickets should cost are just some of the important determinations that were out of airlines’ control.
Open Skies puts the power back in these airlines’ hands, allowing them to consider demand when operating in new markets, rather than relying on governments to make these decisions for them. By removing the restraints of bureaucracy, Open Skies has done wonders for the American travel and tourism industry.
Just ask the State Department, which cites “expanded international passenger and cargo flights to and from the United States, promoting increased travel and trade, enhancing productivity, and spurring high-quality job opportunities and economic growth” as just some of the many benefits we have seen due to Open Skies.
It’s no wonder that the United States has signed over 120 of these agreements with a range of different countries.
However, another characteristic of Open Skies agreements is that they inject competition into aviation markets, which has been a bitter pill to swallow for some of America’s larger airline carriers. Over the years, these legacy carriers - Delta, United, and American - have challenged Open Skies agreements with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates specifically, pushing the Trump administration to renegotiate our longstanding deals with these countries.
Thankfully, under the guidance of President Trump, last year the State Department stood up against their requests and refused to undermine Open Skies, a move that has paid dividends for American citizens from coast to coast.
Why is this decision so important? For starters, the very Gulf carriers being targeted by the legacy carriers brought 1.7 million foreign visitors to the United States in 2016. These individuals spent nearly $7.8 billion while inside our borders and supported nearly 80,000 additional U.S. jobs. The economic toll of losing customers like these would be devastating to American enterprise.
Open Skies are also essential for the U.S. aviation industry to function at its highest level. As more travelers enter the United States, smaller domestic airlines serving mid-sized cities have been able to expand their routes and offer new connecting flights. This is especially powerful for consumers living outside of major cities like New York and Los Angeles, as they’re given more choice when booking their flights.
Plus, while competition may not be the best thing for Delta’s bottom line, it lets the market decide what prices airlines should charge for their tickets. In the case of Open Skies, this has saved passengers an estimated $4 billion.
Without President Trump’s leadership, the American public wouldn’t be able to take full advantage of these benefits. So, the next time you’re looking at flights or booking a ticket, it’s President Trump and his administration that deserve the credit for keeping your fares low and choices high.
Great post.
Having an Alpha Male with a business mindset as our Leader has completely transformed our Republic.
Trump is already in the top three presidents ever. I’d wager he’ll be undisputedly number one by 2024.
I’ve always thought that we need businessmen for president, not lawyers. Trump proves me right.
He’s got to start building the wall, soon, to win re-election.
Just saying.
Better than the wall are flying indictments.
The wall and indictments are a winning combo
Yup. The CEO of the United States.
There are plenty of businesses travelers who have to go where they’re sent.
People have jobs now.
Hey VK. It’s a good point. Where to go?
I’ve made a few foreign trips. Japan is a great country to visit. Clean, efficient, any kind of cuisine you can find there. Some artistic, natural (hot springs, mountains) and cultural wonders. Plus they treat foreigners well.
You can actually travel cheaply within the country using a Japan Train pass for foreigners.
If you ever want to go, I’ve got more specific recommendations.
I was not political in the eighties when Reagan was Potus, I had three babies born in the 1980’s. First time I voted was in 1992, did tons of research, disliked Clinton and Bush, was very impressed with the businessman, voted for him. Been waiting for another since then.
He would ALREADY be number one, and rising, if he hadn’t been like the statue of Atlas, holding up the entire world on his shoulders (by which I mean fighting the Democrat AND Republican establishments, the media, and the Washington swamp). God bless PDJT, over and over.
Thanks PP, however these feet are firmly implanted in USA soil.
The thought of foreign travel at this time is far beyond my itinerary. In the meantime , will keep your offer in mind. :-)
He can’t until the court cases are decided, which unfortunately probably won’t be this year. Some constitutional experts say the courts should back Trump but the behavior of Roberts is starting to get me nervous. It seems some Republican SCOTUS appointee always starts seeking the approval of the elites.
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