Canada concludes new bilateral air agreement with the EU

OTTAWA, Ont.– Canada has successfully concluded negotiations with the European Union (EU) on a comprehensive air transport agreement, said federal Transport Minister John Baird.

The EU is Canada’s second largest bilateral aviation, trade and investment market.

This agreement, which is consistent with Canada’s Blue Sky policy and current Canadian legislation, allows the development of new markets, new services and greater competition. This includes:

-unrestricted direct air services between Canada and EU Member States;

-flexible pricing arrangements; and

-improved flexibility for cargo.

“In these uncertain times, closer global partnerships will help stimulate our economy and expand commercial links. This is why our government celebrates this historic air transport agreement with the EU, which will open access to all 27 Member States for Canadian carriers and all points in Canada for EU carriers,” said Minister Baird.

The agreement also covers eight EU Member States (Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Slovakia and Slovenia) with which Canada did not previously have air agreements.