Union Cabinet approves Air Services Agreement between India and Greece

Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the signing of Air Services Agreement (ASA) between India and Greece.
At present there is no ASA between India and Greece. The delegations both countries in September 2016 had finalized the text of ASA. The agreement is as per latest International Civil Aviation

Key features of ASA

• Under this agreement, both countries will be entitled to designate one or more airline.
• The designated airlines of either country will have right to establish offices for the promotion end sale of air services in the territory of the other country.
• The designated airlines of both countries will have fair and equal opportunity to operate the agreed services on specified routes.
• The designated Airline can also enter into cooperative marketing arrangements with the designated carriers of same party, other party and third country.
• As per the Route Schedule, Indian carriers can operate to Athens, HerakIion, Thessaloniki and any 3 points to be specified later in Greece from points in India.
• Whereas the carriers from Greece can establish direct operation to 6 metros viz. New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Chennai. 

Comment

The Agreement has the potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchange between the both countries in tune with the developments in the civil aviation sector. Besides, it will provide enabling environment for enhanced and seamless connectivity. It will also provide commercial opportunities to the carriers of both the sides by ensuring greater safety and security.

Month: Current Affairs - February, 2017