Canada and the United Kingdom to Fly the "Open Skies"

Attention News Editors

OTTAWA, April 21 /CNW Telbec/ - The governments of Canada and the United Kingdom have negotiated an "Open Skies" air transport agreement. The agreement was announced today by Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Lawrence Cannon and Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics David L. Emerson.

Canadian airlines will be able to offer virtually unlimited flights (passenger and cargo) to and from third countries via the United Kingdom, as U.K. airlines will also be able to do via Canada. Canadian and U.K. airlines will also face no restrictions on how they set their prices when carrying traffic through their own country's cities to the third country. With new pricing provisions, these rights will allow Canadian and United Kingdom airlines to better respond to market demand.

"I am pleased with the new agreement and look forward to the potential benefits for Canada's passengers, shippers, airlines and airports," said Minister Cannon. "I am confident this further liberalization will allow airlines to better meet the needs of travellers, shippers, and the air industry."

"This agreement demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to working closely with the United Kingdom to ensure better access to markets," said Minister Emerson. "It will provide economic benefit to the Canadian industry by contributing to its growth in trade and tourism."

More than two million passengers fly annually between Canada and the United Kingdom. At least 12 air carriers operate between the two countries and more than nine Canadian cities and eight cities in the United Kingdom receive services under the agreement. The provisions of the new agreement are expected to result in an increase in services. These changes are scheduled to come into effect on September 1, 2006.

This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities.

Lucie Vignola, Communications, Transport Canada, Ottawa, (613) 993-0055; Jennifer Chiu, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of International Trade and Minister For the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, Ottawa, (613) 992-7332; Media Relations Office, International Trade Canada, (613) 995-1874