MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

EU proposes open sky policy to Chile

A greater opening of the air market and cooperation with regulatory issues was proposed by the European Commission to Chile, Australia and China.

In a short release the EC underlines that "open markets will offer greater economic opportunities to the European Union air industry", following on its own experience with country members.

Jacques Barrot, European Transport Commissar said that the "EU only air market with free market access and high level rulings, has enormously benefited the EC aviation industry and consumers. I believe we can repeat our domestic success in our international relations".

Chile and Australia were chosen because they figure among the countries most advanced in the regulatory framework for the liberalization of air markets, added Mr. Barrot, highlighting that "these countries share to a great extent the same objectives as the EU air industry policies which are market oriented and for the benefit of consumers".

The EU proposal also includes India which is one of the fastest growing markets in international aviation.

The European Commission is already working in an open transatlantic air space with United States and has requested mandates to commence discussions with China and Russia. Negotiations for a common air space with western Balkan countries and Morocco in north Africa are also in the EC agenda.

"In the last twelve months, 260 bilateral agreements of EU country members with third countries have been reviewed to adapt them to EC legislation", revealed Mr. Barrot.

Passenger air traffic between the EU and Chile annually totals 600.000 and companies involved are Iberia, Lufthansa, Air France and Lan Chile, while two companies Cargolux and Martinair transport 31.000 tons of cargo.