No. H 028/09
For release - February 17, 2009

Canada and Costa Rica successfully conclude air transport agreement

OTTAWA — A newly reached Open Skies-type air transport agreement with Costa Rica is good news for travellers and Canadian businesses, announced Canada's Transport Minister, John Baird, and Minister of International Trade, Stockwell Day.

"This new agreement is a win-win for Canada's air travel industry and consumers," said Minister Baird. "This announcement is another example of our Government's commitment to forming partnerships with other countries, offering competitive airline prices to travellers and boosting our economy."

"This agreement will bring Canada and Costa Rica to a new level of economic co-operation," said Minister Day. "It will help create new jobs for our economy, expand market potential for our businesses and build connections for our citizens. This agreement is a another demonstration of our government's commitment to further engagement with the Americas."

The Canada-Costa Rica air transport agreement allows airlines to operate own–aircraft and code-sharing scheduled air services between any bilateral city–pairs. Code-sharing is a type of air service, which allows airline to sell seats in its name on the flights of another airline. This agreement also allows airlines greater flexibility in scheduling and pricing of flights. In conjunction with these services, airlines will also be permitted to sell services between each other's country and third countries.

The Canada-Costa Rican air travel market has grown and is now of interest to many Canadian stakeholders. The rights contained in the new agreement are not immediately available, giving airlines of both countries time to consider opportunities and plan accordingly. The governments of both countries have committed to completing the agreement's implementation requirements to allowing the new rights to become available as early as possible.

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