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2007-12-03
NORTH/SOUTH AMERICA NEWS
Canada, EU Launch ‘Open Skies’ Talks (November 30th)
EU And Canada Start Negotiations On A Broad Aviation Agreement
Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/afxnewslimited/feeds/afx/2007/11/30/afx4390216.html
Canada and the European Union have begun talks toward a comprehensive aviation agreement. The negotiations are expected to move expeditiously and cover a broad range of issues. The bilateral air services agreement existing now is between Canada and 19 EU states, but this agreement will be more inclusive.
Colombia, Venezuela Reach Impasse Over New Flights (November 29th)
Colombia Faces Trouble To Open New Flights To Venezuela
El Universal
http://english.eluniversal.com/2007/11/29/en_eco_art_colombia-faces-troub_29A1228277.shtml
Columbia and Venezuela have reached an impasse regarding an air transportation issue. Columbia claims that Venezuelan Civil Aeronautics Institute (INAC) has put restrictions on its plans to open new flights to Caracas and is curtailing the aviation agreement that is currently in effect. As the issue is being resolved, trade activities between the two countries remain unchanged.
EUROPE NEWS
BAA Management Questioned on Airport’s Poor Service (November 30th)
MPs Grill BAA Over Airport Standards
Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2007/11/29/cnbaa129.xml
Amid environmental protesters, BAA management was questioned by Transport Select committee members about the poor service at major airports in Britain. An American Airlines executive testified that over the last couple of years BAA has not been responsive regarding operational issues. A British Airlines executive called for the committee to impose licensing condition on BAA and feels that the regulatory process is not strong enough.
ASIA/PACIFIC NEWS
Pilot Shortage Worries Airline Industry (November 30th)
IATA Warns Of Severe Pilot Shortage
The Strait Times
http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest+News/World/STIStory_182066.html
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has warned that 17,000 pilots will be needed every year to keep up with the booming air travel industry. The association’s director general and chief executive officer, Giovanni Bisignani, feels the industry must embrace a new multi-pilot licensing training program. This program, endorsed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (IACO) is more aircraft-focused and simulator-based.
Nepal, EU Strengthen Aviation Ties (November 30th)
Nepal, EU Ink Aviation Pact To Boost Air Traffic
Outlook India
http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=523291
Nepal and the European Union have inked an aviation deal that will increase air traffic and strengthen aviation relations. Among other things, it will remove nationality restrictions in the existing bilateral air services agreements between EU member states and Nepal and bring several provisions in line with European Union law.
Singapore, Slovak Republic Reach Open Skies Agreement (November 22nd)
Singapore And Slovak Republic Conclude Open Skies Agreement
Earth Times
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/146285.html
Singapore and the Slovak Republic have reached an open skies agreement that takes place immediately. This agreement enables air carriers from each country to operate unlimited flights between the two countries as well as to third countries. “Singapore has concluded open skies agreements with more than 20 countries, including 11 in the European Union.”
The Philippines, New Zealand Sign Bilateral Agreement (November 22nd)
Manila, Wellington Firm Up Aviation Pact
Manila Standard Today
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=politics2_nov22_2007
The Philippines and New Zealand have signed a bilateral agreement that will establish regular flights between the two countries and enable air carriers from each country to provide three services per week of passengers, cargo and mail. The Philippines is seeking a similar agreement with Singapore.
Hong Kong, Finland Sign Taxation Agreement (November 19th)
China's Hong Kong, Finland Sign Aircraft Tax Pact
Xinhua News Agency
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-11/19/content_7107658.htm
Hong Kong and Finland recently signed an avoidance of double taxation agreement on income derived from aircraft operations in international traffic. Hong Kong has similar pacts with more than 20 other nations.
AFRICA/MIDDLE EAST NEWS
SACAA Grounds Nationwide Airlines (November 30th)
South Africa Grounds Nationwide Air's Flights
Air Wise
http://news.airwise.com/story/view/1196432554.html
South Africa’s Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) amid safety concerns has grounded Nationwide Airlines flights. Effective November 29th, SACAA suspended approval for Nationwide’s maintenance organization, in addition to the certificates of airworthiness of all aircraft maintained by Nationwide. Nationwide air fleet will not be permitted to fly until their airworthiness status has been verified.
Israel, EU Commence ‘Open Skies’ Negotiations (November 29th)
Israel And EU Launch Talks In Brussels On 'Open Skies' Deal
Haaretz
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/929530.html
Israel and the European Union have begun talks aimed at an ‘open skies’ deal that would spur competition for routes between the two regions. The new agreement will replace existing agreements that Israel has in place with individual EU member states. “The new agreement is meant to remove existing limitations placed on foreign airlines who seek to operate flights between Israel and Europe.”
UAE, Turkey Agree to Increase Flights (November 27th)
United Arab Emirates And Turkey Sign Aviation MoU
Arab Air Carriers Organization
http://www.aaco.org/pubnews.asp?id=1519&lang=1
The United Arab Emirates and Turkey signed aviation Memorandum of Understanding that will increase flights between the two countries. Etihad Airways will have a total of five weekly flights on the Abu Dhabi-Turkey-Abu Dhabi route. The MOU also includes a number of other aviation-related areas.
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