New air transport agreements offer more choice for exporters: Transport Canada

OTTAWA, Ont.– Canada has successfully concluded new and expanded air transport agreements with seven countries spanning several regions of the world.

The amended agreements with Algeria, Ethiopia, South Africa and Turkey expand Canada’s existing air transport relationships by allowing airlines to introduce more flight options and routings, which benefit passengers and businesses by providing greater choice and convenience, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport and the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, announced.

First-time bilateral air transport agreements have also been reached with Burkina Faso, Ecuador and Macedonia. These new agreements will help develop air travel markets between Canada and these countries by providing full flexibility for airlines to offer air services using the flights of other airlines, commonly referred to as code-sharing, and to adjust prices according to market conditions.

The announcements come as the 38th session of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Assembly wrapped up last week at its headquarters in Montreal.

“This has been a great two weeks for Canada’s aviation industry and those who benefit from it,” said Minister Raitt. “We have solidified our position as a leader in international aviation. Canada is the natural home of ICAO and an innovative model for the development of safe, secure and sustainable aviation. We are also continuing to build and expand air transport relationships as demonstrated by today’s announcement. These relationships will provide more commercial opportunities to the Canadian air industry and are important for the competitiveness of our business and tourism sectors. They also give travellers and shippers more choice and convenience.”

“Today’s announcement is yet another example of how our government’s broad and ambitious pro-trade plan will benefit Canadian workers, exporters and businesses,” said Minister Fast. “The expansion of air transport relationships goes hand in hand with opening new markets around the world, which we know creates jobs, growth and long-term prosperity here at home.”

The rights under most of these agreements are being applied administratively, which allows new air services to be introduced immediately.