Canada expands air transport agreements with Egypt and the United Arab Emirates

OTTAWA, July 27, 2018 /CNW/ - From visiting friends and family to getting goods to markets around the world, Canadians rely on a robust aviation industry with diverse international air services. Expanding Canada's existing air transport relationships allows airlines to improve their service offerings, which means more options and convenience for passengers and businesses.

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, today announced the successful conclusion of expanded air transport agreements with Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.

The Canada-Egypt air transport agreement has been expanded to allow designated airlines to operate up to seven passenger flights per week, up from four. In addition, designated airlines now can serve any city in the other country's territory.

The expanded Canada-United Arab Emirates air transport agreement allows each government to allocate 68 per cent more capacity among its designated air carriers (i.e. the number of seats that carriers can sell). This agreement also now contains four dedicated frequencies for all-cargo flights for the first time.

The new rights under the expanded agreements are available for use by airlines immediately.

Quotes

"These expanded air transport agreements with Egypt and the United Arab Emirates are a positive development for air transport relations between our countries. We are pleased to expand these relationships with additional flexibility for airlines to serve these growing markets. These expanded agreements will continue to facilitate tourism, trade and investment between Canada and these countries and help our businesses grow and succeed."
The Honourable Marc Garneau
Canada's Minister of Transport

"Canada's commercial relationships with Egypt and the United Arab Emirates are strong and growing. These expanded agreements will help Canadian companies grow and diversify their markets by making the movement of goods and people faster and easier."
The Honourable Jim Carr
Minister of International Trade Diversification

Quick Facts

• These expanded agreements with Egypt and the United Arab Emirates were reached under Canada's Blue Sky policy, which encourages long-term, sustainable competition and the development of international air services.
• Under the Blue Sky Policy, the Government of Canada has concluded new or expanded air transport agreements covering 104 countries.
• Two-way merchandise trade between Canada and Egypt was valued at $1.3 billion in 2017.
• In 2017, bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and the United Arab Emirates totalled $1.8 billion.

Associated Links

Additional information on the Blue Sky policy 
Canada and Egypt relations 
Canada-United Arab Emirates Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement Negotiations

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SOURCE Transport Canada