ANAC signs several air traffic agreements at ICAO business event

Represented by the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), Brazil participated in the 14th edition of the Air Services Negotiation Event, held in Abuja, capital of Nigeria, from December 5th to 9th. At the event, the Agency signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Switzerland and Suriname for the exchange of 7th freedom air traffic rights for exclusively cargo services. In addition, Open Skies agreements were reached with the Republic of Guinea, Suriname and Kenya. The event is an initiative of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), open to all Member States, aimed at negotiators in the air services field of interested countries for discussion and establishment of different understandings in air services.

The 7th freedom of the air stipulates that aircraft originating in both countries may transport cargo between their territory and the territory of a third country without it being necessary to continue the air service to the country of origin. The measure may expand commercial routes involving Brazil, Switzerland and Suriname, bringing possibilities for greater efficiency in cargo transport.

Open skies agreements, on the other hand, provide for clauses such as free determination of capacity, open route framework, tariff freedom and traffic rights of up to 5th freedom (right to transport passengers and cargo between the territory of the other contracting State and the territory of a third State, as part of an air service to or from the State of nationality of the aircraft) between the countries involved.

Negotiation meetings were also held with aspects forwarded to be concluded in the future with Saudi Arabia, Bahamas, Ethiopia, Morocco, India and Benin.

During the event, ANAC delegation was headed by the agency's Superintendent of Air Services Monitoring, Rafael José Botelho de Faria. The superintendent was also a guest on the event's opening panel, which dealt with each country's experience with regard to liberalization initiatives in air services.

In his speech, Botelho highlighted the Brazilian openness to more liberalizing agreements, which began in 2010, also pointing out the expressive growth of international transport since then, favoring both foreign and national companies, resulting in a greater offer of services to passengers and users of cargo transport.