CANADA AND SWITZERLAND
LIBERALIZE AIR TRANSPORT
OTTAWA - Transport Minister David Collenette and Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today announced that Canada and Switzerland have significantly liberalized the air transport agreement between the two countries.

“Airlines of both countries now have far greater flexibility to operate and expand scheduled air services,” said Mr. Collenette. “The modifications to our bilateral agreement should lead to an increased level of service for passengers and shippers seeking transportation between the two countries.”

The modifications to the bilateral agreement include provisions for any number of airlines to operate scheduled air service to any city in the other country, either on their own or on partners’ aircraft. Previously, only two airlines from each country were allowed to fly between specific city pairs. Swiss airlines were also restricted from flying their aircraft to Western Canada, and Canadian carriers could not operate services to Switzerland through other countries on flights of partner airlines. Airlines will now also have greater flexibility regarding the frequency of flights and the introduction of new prices.

“These improvements to our bilateral air transport arrangements further strengthen our relations with Switzerland,” said Mr. Graham. “More opportunities for travel will enhance trade, investment and tourism between Canada and this important member of the European Free Trade Association.”

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