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February 28, 2005
NORTH/SOUTH AMERICA NEWS
Open Skies Talks To Begin Between US And Canada (February 25th)
US Endorses Canadian Push For New Open Skies Deal
Norman Mineta, the U.S. transportation secretary strongly endorsed his Canadian counterpart’s push for a more liberal aviation market between the two countries. The two issued a joint statement saying they are to begin discussions on the full liberalization process. The current open skies agreement dates back to 1995 and took five years to negotiate.
Anchorage Sees First Code Share To Use Liberalized Cargo Rights (February 25th)
Northwest, Korean First To Use Liberalized Cargo Rights
Northwest and Korean Air are taking advantage of a new provision passed last year by Congress that gives foreign carriers rights to US destinations, but only through Anchorage Airport. Northwest hopes to expand with Korean or another carrier into China next.
EUROPE NEWS
Anderson Succeeds In Getting EU To Negotiate Air Services With Australia (February 25th)
Australia Makes Headway In Europe Aviation Talks
Having gained permission from EU transport leaders, Australian transport minister John Anderson will now begin direct negotiations with European countries like the UK to further liberalize air services. Getting Australian national airline Qantas better access to European cities is crucial to further progress between Australia and Singapore.
EC About To Unveil New Two-Point Plan For Air Services Negotiations (February 24th)
EC’s Barrot To Release Aviation Plan, Meet With Mineta In March
Speaking at the Open Skies Forum in Ottawa, EC Transport boss Jacques Barrot spoke about his goals and his timetable for aviation negotiations with other countries. The plan will have two parts. One is for the EC to concentrate on countries within close geographic proximity, like Morocco and the Balkan states. The other part of the plan is to focus on “strategically important” countries, like the US, China and Russia. Barrot hopes to outline the next steps in the US-EC relationship next month when he meets with US secretary of transportation Norman Mineta.
ASIA NEWS
France The Latest Country To Sign Bilateral Deal With India (February 24th)
India, France Liberalize Air Links
The Indian and French governments signed a new Air Services Agreement in Paris. The new agreement gives both countries 35 flights per week to the other country, and provides for multiple designation of airlines. France also granted fifth freedom rights to Indian carriers, allowing them access to the US and Canada after stopping in France.
Beijing Warming Up To Air Cargo Agreement With Taiwan (February 23rd)
China Pushes For Cross-Straits Air Cargo
Beijing is expected to announce a new policy about cross-Straits cargo flights in an effort to push for direct air links with Taiwan. This is an encouraging development in the proposed cargo charter program which Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian offered to discuss last week. Both Chinese and Taiwanese airlines expressed support for cargo charter business.
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