Mexico City, Mexico – 18 February 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Enrique Peña Nieto, President of Mexico, today witnessed the signing of the expanded Canada-Mexico Air Transport Agreement, which will provide enhanced business opportunities for Canadian and Mexican air industries, as well as benefits for trade, investment, and tourism. The signing, by Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, and Gerardo Ruiz Esparza, Mexican Secretary of Communications and Transport, is an important milestone in the ratification and implementation of the Canada-Mexico Air Transport Agreement which was reached in 2011.The signing took place during the Prime Minister's first official visit to Mexico from February 17-18.
The expanded Air Transport Agreement will provide a completely open framework for direct flights between Canada and Mexico, thereby allowing any number of airlines from both countries to offer more services between any Canadian and Mexican cities. The agreement will also provide greater flexibility to adjust prices according to market conditions, and modernize safety and security provisions.
Once ratified by both countries, the new rights under this agreement will be fully available for use by air carriers in both countries.
The agreement is consistent with Canada's Blue Sky policy, which encourages long-term, sustainable competition and the development of new or expanded international air services. Under this policy, the Government of Canada has concluded new or expanded air transport agreements with more than 80 countries.
