Argentina and Ethiopia Sign Open Skies Agreement: A Key Step for Air Connectivity
The Government of Argentina signed an open skies agreement with Ethiopia, enabling unlimited frequencies and expanded air traffic rights. This deal aims to boost connectivity, foster tourism, and create new opportunities for cargo transportation and exports.
The Government of Argentina signed an open skies agreement with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, marking a key step in the air transport liberalization strategy promoted by President Javier Milei. With this addition, there are now 12 countries that have joined this policy, aimed at strengthening air connectivity and the competitiveness of the sector.
Under this agreement, both countries will implement a regime of unlimited frequencies and an expanded route framework that includes traffic rights up to the ninth freedom, allowing airlines to operate domestic and cargo flights, both regular and non-regular. This new framework represents a significant change from the previous system, which limited operations to seven weekly flights with restricted routes.
The signing took place at the Palacio San Martín and was led by Franco Mogetta, Argentina’s Secretary of Transportation, and Getachew Mengistie, Director General of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority. The event also saw the participation of key officials, including Luis María Kreckler, Secretary of International Economic Relations, and Daniel Scioli, Secretary of Tourism, Environment, and Sports, as well as representatives from the aviation sectors of both countries.
A Strategic Boost for Connectivity
The agreement is strategic for Argentina due to the importance of Ethiopian Airlines' hub in Addis Ababa, which connects cities across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Expanding the network of routes will benefit passengers by offering new travel options, even from cities within Argentina, through codeshare agreements between airlines.
For example, a passenger who currently can only travel to Ethiopia from Buenos Aires may soon be able to do so from Mendoza or Córdoba if the airlines involved establish collaboration agreements.
Commercial and Logistical Opportunities
The agreement also opens new possibilities for cargo transportation, allowing Argentine companies to access markets in Africa and Asia more efficiently. Products such as meat, wine, and fruit could reach these destinations faster, boosting exports.
Additionally, liberalization is expected to encourage inbound tourism, attracting travelers from Africa and Asia to Argentina and strengthening its position as an attractive destination in South America.
Part of a Broader Policy
Ethiopia joins a list of countries that have already signed open skies agreements with Argentina, including Brazil, Chile, Peru, Canada, and the Dominican Republic. According to the government, this policy aims to deregulate the aviation sector, promote competitiveness, and improve connectivity for passengers.
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