The approval of 10 new and amended air services agreements will strengthen global trade links for Kiwi businesses, says transport minister Simon Bridges.
Cabinet has approved new air services agreements with Bahrain, Colombia, Egypt, Greece, Oman, Serbia and the Seychelles.
An amendment to an agreement with China announced in November last year, has been confirmed, doubling the number of services airlines that can operate between both countries.
“The amendment provides immediate opportunities for continued growth in air services between New Zealand and China,” says Bridges.
Cabinet has also confirmed arrangements reached with the Czech Republic and Curaçao to provide opportunities for airlines to offer code-share services, where two or more airlines share the same flight.
“The new arrangements mean that airlines from these countries will have the opportunity to offer services to New Zealand if they see commercial opportunities – unhindered by regulatory barriers.
“Similarly, New Zealand airlines now have the opportunity to offer services in these markets”, says Bridges.
The agreements with Bahrain and Oman mean that New Zealand now has air services agreements with all members of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
“These agreements remove the barriers for Gulf carriers seeking to fly to New Zealand and will pave the way for stronger links with the Middle East, further underpinning the Government’s gulf trade strategy,” he says.
All 10 agreements or arrangements were negotiated by Ministry of Transport officials at the International civil aviation negotiation conference held in Indonesia in November 2014.
Since the Government launched its international air transport policy in August 2012, more than 40 new or amended agreements have been negotiated.
