Negotiators from the US and the European Union say they have reached agreement to allow their airlines to fly unrestricted routes across the Atlantic.
It is a breakthrough in almost a decade of efforts to produce what is called an 'open skies' deal which could lead to cheaper air travel.
The deal still requires the approval of the US and the 25 EU member states.
Currently, flights between the US and EU are restricted by a number of deals that have been negotiated by individual governments.
During preliminary negotiations last week, Ireland and the United States reached agreement on the phasing out of the Shannon stopover by April 2008.
