Canada and Colombia extend air transport agreement
The Government of Canada has expanded its air transport agreement with Colombia to increase the frequency of passenger and cargo flights between the two regions.
With this newly expanded agreement, the number of passenger and cargo flights will be increased to 14 per week.
The new agreement will also allow designated airlines of the two countries to operate an unlimited number of passenger and cargo flights to an unlimited number of destinations.
Canada Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra said: “This significantly expanded agreement will improve connectivity for passengers and businesses in Canada and Colombia and demonstrates our commitment to enhancing air services with Latin America.
“Our government will continue to strengthen our economy and our air sector, and this expanded agreement will help Canadian businesses do just that.”
At present, Colombia is Canada’s largest South American international air transport market.
The new agreement is expected to enhance tourism and trade opportunities between the two countries.
It will also help air carriers of Canada and Colombia meet the requirements of this growing air transport market.
The first air transport agreement was signed between the two countries in 2012 under Canada’s Blue Sky policy, which is aimed at competition and international air services’ development.
Airline companies will immediately be able to use the new rights under the expanded agreement.
Canada Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development Mary Ng said: “Our government will always advocate for Canadians, and with a global landscape that changes as quickly as today’s, that priority becomes more important than ever.
“The expanded agreement reaffirms our commitment, as it creates the flexibility needed for airlines and airports to accommodate Canadian and Colombian businesses and travellers alike.
“The Latin American market offers growing demand for Canadian products and services, and we will continue to support our Canadian exporters as they deliver excellence around the world.”
Last month, the Government of Canada agreed to provide funds to facilitate transportation infrastructure projects at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW).
