On 05APR, Ottawa announced the conclusion of an expanded air transport agreement between Canada and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The expanded agreement was guided by Canada’s Blue Sky policy, which the ministry says encourages long-term, sustainable competition and the development of international air services.
In the announcement, the ministry explains that the UAE is Canada’s largest air transport market in the Middle East. The expanded agreement allows 21 flights per week for each country. This will permit 50 per cent more flights than the maximum number previously possible, facilitate new routes, and give airlines greater flexibility to accommodate changes in market demand.
The government says the move will accommodate the growing Canada-UAE air transport market, improve Canada’s global connectivity, and support tourism and trade activity between the two countries.
The new rights under the expanded agreement are available for use by airlines immediately. This new agreement is also aligned with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy since the UAE serves as a hub for many flights to Asia.
“This expansion of the Canada-United Arab Emirates air transport agreement will improve Canada’s international connectivity and enhance people-to-people and commercial links," said Omar Alghabra, the minister of transport in the statement. "As we continue to support the recovery of the Canadian air industry, we are pleased that this expanded agreement will benefit a larger number of Canadian travellers, industry stakeholders, and workers in Canada’s air sector. This is good news for tourism and the creation of good middle-class jobs for Canadians.”
Mary Ng, the federal minister of international trade, export promotion, small business and economic development, added, "Canada and the United Arab Emirates have a broad and deep relationship rooted in strong people-to-people ties, and trade and investment connections. Today’s announcement will be a valuable contribution in helping Canadian companies grow and diversify their markets on the global stage, and contribute to greater economic and social development between our two countries.”
