Caribbean transport ministers signed the San Juan Accord this week in Puerto Rico, committing to "liberalize air transport services and harmonize aviation safety and security measures" with the ultimate goal of creating "an umbrella policy for air transport" and "a single regional airspace."

A forum of tourism and air transport ministers will be convened no later than Feb. 15 to discuss security and other issues pertaining to liberalization of civil aviation in the region.

"The San Juan Accord opens the door to further development and harmonization of the Caribbean and will allow the island nations to make great strides to become more competitive, efficient and attractive for new air service," IATA said in a statement.

"IATA has long pushed for a single Caribbean sky."