Indonesia Airlines – Photo by Fariz Priandana on Pexels
(BALI) – The EU and southeast asian nations signed a comprehensive air transport agreement Monday to open up air transport opportunities and enhance direct connectivity between the two regions.
The agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which replaces more than 140 bilateral air services agreements, provides a single set of rules and reduces red tape, will apply immediately.
The signing means new opportunities for consumers, airlines and airports, says the Commission, both in Europe and in ASEAN countries. It sets global benchmarks that commit all 37 countries in the two regions to fair competition and to improving social and environmental conditions.
“This first-ever ‘bloc-to-bloc’ air transport agreement brings the EU-ASEAN aviation partnership to a new level,” said Transport Commissioner Adina Valean: “It will support the aviation sector’s recovery after COVID-19 and restore much-needed connectivity to the benefit of some 1.1 billion people, enabling greater business, trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.”
ASEAN is a global economic powerhouse with a fast-growing aviation market. In 2019, it was the EU’s 9th largest market for freight and the 16th largest for passengers with more than 8 million travellers. Introducing a modern framework for air services between Europe and Asia, which opens up opportunities while ensuring high standards is therefore an investment in the future.
The agreement provides for a level playing field and is expected to bring about new air transport opportunities and economic benefits for both sides:
- It replaces more than 140 bilateral air services agreements, thereby providing a single set of rules and reducing red tape. EU Members States without any bilateral agreements with ASEAN States are now also covered by a modern legal framework.
- All EU airlines will be able to operate direct flights from any airport in the EU to all airports in ASEAN States, and vice versa for ASEAN airlines. This will help EU and ASEAN airlines to compete with competitors targeting the lucrative EU-ASEAN market.
- Airlines will be able to fly up to 14 weekly passenger services to or from each EU Member State, and any number of cargo services via and beyond the two regions, to any third country (‘fifth freedom traffic rights’).
- The agreement includes modern and fair competition provisions to address market distortions.
Both parties also recognised the importance of environmental and social matters, agreed to cooperate on them and to improve their respective social and labour laws and policies.
ASEAN members include Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
EU-ASEAN comprehensive air transport agreement - guide
