Canada negotiates new aviation agreement with the European Union

On 9 December 2008 Canada and the European Commission announced that they had completed the negotiation of a new air services agreement. The Commission's Q&A provides further details (see previous post).

An open exchange of third/fourth freedom rights would be followed by further exchanges of rights in three additional phases if there is a progressive opening up of airline investment opportunities. Phase two would provide for seventh freedom cargo opportunities, phase three for fifth freedom (beyond) opportunities and phase four for an exchange of cabotage rights.

Media coverage on 10 December included stories in the Globe and Mail, and the Star (HT to Aviation Law Prof Blog). On 9 December there were also stories in the Financial Post NEW and on CBC NEW.