Canadian Airports Welcome Open Skies Agreement

Friday, November 11, 2005 -

Canadian Airports Welcome Open Skies Agreement

OTTAWA – November 11, 2005 – “Airports across Canada welcome the news from Transport Minister Jean Lapierre and International Trade Minister Jim Peterson on the negotiated Open Skies air transport agreement,” said Jim Facette, president and CEO of the Canadian Airports Council (CAC). 

The CAC has always supported an Open Skies bi-lateral air agreement with the United States that would build of the success of the 1995 agreement.  All indications are that under the new agreement reached this week, both countries will be able to:

• Pick up passenger and/or all-cargo traffic in the other partner’s territory and carry it to a third country as part of a service to or from their home territory;
• Operate stand-alone all-cargo services between the other partner’s territory and third countries; and
• Offer the lowest prices for services between the other partner’s territory and a third country.
  

“Greater access for Canadian passenger and cargo carriers to the larger U.S. market will serve as a platform from which to serve third countries; increase pricing flexibility for carriers; and provide more options for Canadian airports to attract U.S. carriers to communities across Canada,” said Mr. Facette.

During Transport Canada consultations the CAC advocated that Canada should move toward the standard U.S. Open Skies model that would include open fifths for passenger and cargo, cargo co-terminalization and 7th freedoms for cargo.

The CAC participated in the Open Skies talks as part of the Government of Canada official delegation, two CAC representatives were official observers.

About the Canadian Airports Council

Formed in 1992, the Canadian Airports Council represents Canada’s non-federal airports for industry policy and regulatory matters, facilitating industry education and exchange, and promoting the industry in Canada and globally. CAC members account for 100% of all international passenger and cargo air transportation in Canada and 95% of domestic passenger traffic. With 45 members, operating more than 150 airports, the CAC includes all major international airports and a number of regional airports across Canada.