Qatar and European Union reach a landmark agreement on ‘open skies’
Qatar Airways has been on an expansion spree in the last few years. And despite the launch of an illegal blockade against the country, the rate of expansion has continued unhindered.
In a move that is expected to see the expansion gather pace, Qatar and the European Union have agreed to terms for an open skies agreement that will be signed later this year, reported the Reuters news agency.
The move is part of a broad air services agreement that includes provisions on fair competition, transparency, the environment and consumer protections, although exact details have not been disclosed.
Qatar Airways GCEO H.E. Akbar Al Baker reflected on the State of Qatar’s strong ambitions at the #CAPASummit in Doha, and how they are determined to be the first country in the Gulf region to achieve a comprehensive Air Transport Agreement with the European Union. #CAPA_Qatar pic.twitter.com/Trkl92eFx9
The announcement on the conclusion of negotiations was announced by European Commissioner for Mobility and Transport, Violeta Bulc, on the sidelines of the CAPA Aeropolitical and Regulatory Affairs Summit at the Sheraton Doha yesterday, reported Gulf Times.
The ‘historic agreement’ will be the first of its kind ever between the EU and a Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) member state, providing a ‘significant competitive edge’ to air carriers of both sides and a sustainable framework for future operations.
As a result of the agreement, all air carriers from the 28 European Union member states and Qatar will now have unlimited and unrestricted access to their respective territories.
.@qatarairways GCEO H.E. Akbar Al Baker: Qatar will become the first country in the gulf region to achieve an air transport agreement with the European Union. The agreement will include a "social aspects clause", and allow European carriers greater access to Qatar #CAPASummit
With the agreement, Qatar once again demonstrated that despite the ongoing illegal siege, it remains a leader on the global stage, according to The Peninsula.
“Through these negotiations, both sides have demonstrated that positive engagement can build trust among nations so that they can embrace the benefits of competition. We hope that the success of these negotiations will encourage other trading blocs and significant aviation markets to join in achieving a liberalised global aviation regime for future generations,” said Qatar Airways chief Akbar Al Baker.
“The agreement will offer a common platform for airlines in Europe and Qatar to understand each other better, creating new opportunities for collaboration and cooperation,” he added.
As part of the agreement, Qatar will no longer force European carriers to have a local sales agent to operate flights to Doha.
Talks with Oman on a similar deal will start in March. The United Arab Emirates had earlier declined to engage in negotiations.
It is welcome, happy so much, great in deed .........