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Canadians rely on a robust aviation industry with diverse international air services. Growing Canada’s air transport relationships allows airlines to provide passengers and businesses with the air travel options they need to support their families and the economy.
The Honourable Marc Garneau, minister of Transport, announced on Dec. 1 the successful conclusion of a new Open Skies-type air transport agreement between Canada and the United Kingdom. The new agreement will allow any number of Canadian and British air carriers to operate between both countries, and gives those airlines full flexibility on route selection (including via third countries), frequency of service, and pricing. The agreement also includes unrestricted rights for all-cargo services as well as code-share services (when an air carrier sells seats on a flight operated by another carrier).
The new agreement will take effect when the United Kingdom is no longer covered by the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement.
Quick Facts
- The United Kingdom is Canada’s third largest two-way air travel market.
- This new Canada-UK agreement was reached under Canada’s Blue Sky policy, which encourages long-term, sustainable competition and the development of international air services.
- Under the Blue Sky Policy, the Government of Canada has concluded new or expanded air transport agreements covering 105 countries.
