No. H054/06For release June 19, 2006
OTTAWA — The governments of Canada and Portugal have established a new air
transport agreement that will allow for a significant expansion of air services
between both countries. The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable David Emerson, Minister of
International Trade, announced the agreement today.
"I am pleased with the new agreement and look forward to seeing the benefits it
will bring to Canada's airline industry," said Minister Cannon. "This will allow
airlines to better meet the needs of travellers and shippers in the
Canada-Portugal market."
This agreement falls within the framework of a deregulation strategy, the
details of which will be introduced this fall.
Under the new agreement, Canadian airlines will have access to all destinations
in Portugal and Portuguese airlines will have the same access to Canadian
destinations. There will also be no limitations on the frequency of service
carriers can offer. Airlines will enjoy greater flexibility when offering prices
in international markets.
"By facilitating air travel between both countries, this agreement will help
build stronger commercial ties," said Minister Emerson. "This is a targeted way
in which we are increasing our trade links with Portugal and Europe as a whole."
In addition to operating their own aircraft, carriers can provide code-sharing
services. Code-sharing permits an airline to market partner airline flights as
its own, offering an additional means of serving markets.
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Contacts:
Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
(613) 991-0700
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) 996-2000
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.
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