Canada reaches expanded air transport agreement with Egypt

OTTAWA, Ont. — Canada has reached an expanded air transport agreement with Egypt that will allow airlines to operate more flights between the two countries and also adjust their prices for travel based on market forces.

Under the agreement, airlines may also choose to offer air services using the flights of other airlines, commonly known as code-sharing services. The air transport agreement contains strong provisions dealing with aviation safety and security, which officials say reflects the importance of these subjects to both countries.

“This new agreement will support Canada’s strong and diverse commercial relationship with Egypt, a regional centre for trade and investment,” said Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Trade. “Our government is committed to facilitating the movement of goods, services and people around the world, and this new agreement will help Canadian companies to do just that.”

The agreement is being applied on an administrative basis, allowing airlines to offer new services immediately. Once ratified, the expanded agreement will replace the 1987 Canada-Egypt bilateral air transport agreement.