Canadian airports declare EU open skies deal a big trade boost

The Canadian Airports Council (CAC) applauded the signing of the open skies agreement with the European Union representing C$84.2 billion (US$78.98 billion) trade, thus making the EU as Canada's second biggest trading partner after the US.
According to the Shipping Gazette, this has resulted in the launch of new air routes previously subject to punitive restrictions. These include one of Europe's largest air cargo airlines launching a new route between Europe, Canada and the US; a Canadian company has expressed interest in launching a low-cost trans-Atlantic service using aircraft wet-leased from a European airline and a major Eastern European airline has taken steps to introduce all-cargo service between Europe and a secondary airport in Canada.

"Moving to free trade of the skies is about creating greater choice and opportunity for our Canadian communities, carriers and our neighbours in the European Union," said CAC chairman Barry Rempel in a statement.

Said CAC president and CEO Jim Facette: "As we move through the steps toward a full Open Skies Agreement, this new air agreement will set an example for carrier access, safety, security and passenger mobility."

According to a study from the European Commission, the number of passengers between the EU and Canada has the potential to increase from eight million to 14 million by 2011. In addition, the EC estimated that an Open Aviation Area would generate consumer benefits of at least $110 million through lower fares and could create 3,700 jobs in the first year.

The Canadian Airports Council (CAC) 47 members represent more than 200 airports, including all of the National Airports System (NAS) airports and most significant municipal airports in every province and territory.

Source: Transportweekly