On Monday 17 October, the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) signed a comprehensive air transport agreement to improve direct connectivity between the two regions. The agreement also includes the modernisation of the rules and standards applicable to the flights concerned.
“This first ever ‘block to block’ air transport agreement takes the EU-ASEAN aviation partnership to a new level. It will support the recovery of the aviation sector after Covid-19 and restore much-needed connectivity, which will benefit some 1.1 billion people”, commented EU Transport Commissioner Adina Vălean.
In detail, the agreement, which covers some 37 countries and applies immediately, is to replace the more than 140 bilateral air services agreements already in existence. At the same time, the Commission says, it will serve to simplify administrative formalities.
This will allow all EU airlines to fly directly from any EU airport to any airport in the ASEAN states and vice versa.
Airlines will be able to operate up to 14 weekly passenger services to and from each EU Member State. Unlimited freight services between the two regions and beyond to any third country will also be possible. (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)