DHAKA: Canada has successfully concluded a first-ever air transport agreement with Bangladesh, allowing direct scheduled air services between the two countries.

Lisa Raitt, Canadian Minister of Transport, and Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, came up with the announced on August 28.

"The Canada-Bangladesh air travel market is growing rapidly," said Minister Raitt. "This new air transport agreement will facilitate air travel between both countries and provide more convenience to travellers and shippers."

The agreement provides flexibility for airlines to access all points in Canada and Bangladesh, both for passenger and all-cargo services. Airlines may also choose to offer air services by sharing space on the flights of other airlines, an industry practice commonly known as code-sharing.

"Our government`s pro-trade plan is focused on opening new markets for Canadian businesses," said Minister Fast. "Direct air service between Canada and Bangladesh will better connect our business people, students and other travellers which will help us deepen the Canada-Bangladesh partnership."

The agreement allows airlines to offer new services immediately.

The Government of Canada`s approach to expanding its air transport relationship with Bangladesh 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 covering more than 70 countries, including:

--Open Skies-type agreements with 16 countries: Barbados, Brazil, Costa Rica, Curaao, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador,
Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Nicaragua,
Saint Maarten, South Korea, Switzerland, and Trinidad and
Tobago.

--Expanded agreements with 15 countries: Algeria, China, Cuba,
Egypt, India, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru,
the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Turkey.

--First-time agreements with 18 countries: Bahrain, Bangladesh,
Colombia, Croatia, Ethiopia, the Gambia, Kenya, Kuwait, Panama, Paraguay, Qatar, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tunisia and Uruguay.

--A comprehensive air transport agreement between Canada and the European Union`s 27 member states.

Source: newswire.ca
BDST: 1017 HRS, AUG 29, 2013
RS/BSK