This paper presents an overview of the liberalization process of the air market between the United States and the member states of the European Union, which resulted in the signing of an Open Skies agreement among these countries, in its first phase, in 2007. This agreement represents a milestone in the scenario of liberalization of the international air traffic with important results for the countries involved. The analysis of the negotiations development and obtained progress towards a further civil aviation flexibility among the involved countries evidences the need for greater cooperation to resolve the established conflicts, promoting means for a future implementation of an open aviation area between the United States and European Union on a stable and sustained manner. It is also emphasized the relevance of this analysis for countries that are applying easing policies in their air sector, such as Brazil, which may use the issues, conflicts and challenges that were presented in the case of United States and European Union
open skies agreement; liberalization of air traffic; open aviation area