Brussels, 07/05/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 6 May, the European Commission called for a negotiating mandate with a view to concluding a comprehensive air agreement with Brazil. After the fashion of those already sealed with the EU and the United States, Canada, Morocco, Georgia, Jordan and the Western Balkans, this agreement would allow air markets of both stakeholders to be opened up. Benefits would be mutual. Brazil is the largest air transport market in South America. According to the Commission, the conclusion of such an agreement could generate profits of around €460 million annually and increase passenger transport by some 335,000 passengers during the first year of implementation alone. In 2009, the EU and Brazil concluded a “horizontal” air agreement allowing bilateral agreements between the EU member states and Brazil to be brought into line with European legislation and to ensure there is no discrimination in the treatment of airlines. (A.By./transl.jl)