Jamaica approves open-air agreement with UAE

Cabinet has approved the signing of an air services agreement between the governments of Jamaica and the United Arab Emirates.

"The agreement entitles the designated airlines of both countries the right to exercise in any type of service - passenger, cargo and mail separately or in combination - full fifth freedom traffic rights to or from any intermediate or beyond points without any restriction," said Minister of Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects, Daryl Vaz at Wednesday's post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House.

Open-Skies Policy

Vaz said the air services agreement was negotiated within the context of the Open Skies Policy, which was previously approved by Cabinet.

Open skies liberalises the movement of airlines between countries, creating a free market and competition. The agreement is meant to remove limits on the number of carriers, the size of aircraft operating between the states that are party to these air services agreements, among other things.

In addition to commercial passenger and cargo services, it also allows for code sharing among designated stakeholder airlines.

- JIS