No. H 071/07
For release - April 30, 2007
Photo(s)

Canada's New Government Announces Blue Sky Agreement with Ireland

OTTAWA — The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable David Emerson, Minister of International Trade, today announced an Open Skies agreement with Ireland under the Government of Canada's Blue Sky policy.

The previous bilateral agreement on air services with Ireland, which has been in place since 1947, has been replaced by a new agreement permitting fully flexible airline operations with strong aviation safety and security provisions.

"This new arrangement is a very positive development in our long-standing air transport relations with Ireland. I am pleased to have this new agreement between Canada and Ireland in place, " said Minister Cannon. "The removal of market access restrictions will lead to the introduction of new air services between our two countries, providing more choices for Canadian passengers, shippers, air carriers and airports."

The new agreement will allow air carriers to provide services between any city in Canada and Ireland. Canadian carriers will be allowed to use Ireland as a platform to serve a third country and vice versa. It will also allow airlines to react quickly to market conditions in the setting of their prices and frequency of services.

"This new agreement will support the growth of the strong business ties between Canada and Ireland, and will also facilitate travel for Irish tourists coming to Canada," said Minister Emerson. "This agreement will also create more opportunities for Canadian business to export and invest in Ireland."

The new agreement takes effect immediately. This is the third Open Skies agreement signed as part of this Government's Blue Sky policy.

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