The UAE has signed an air services agreement with Brazil which will pave way for the liberalisation of their bilateral air transport framework in the coming years.

UAE general civil aviation authority (GCAA) director general Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi and National Civil Aviation Agency (Brazil) director Ronaldo Seroa da Motta signed the MoU recently in Rio de Janeiro.

The two delegations discussed matters relating to bilateral air services and also explored ways to enhance the opportunities available under the Air Services Agreement initiated on June 9, 2004.

In addition to Emirates, the duo agreed to designate Etihad Airways, Air Arabia and RAK Airways as national carriers from UAE side.

According to the MoU both parties agreed a phased increase of (28) weekly flights (passenger or combination flights) and (21) weekly all cargo flights to be operated with any type of aircraft. It was also agreed additional fifth freedom traffic rights for passenger and cargo services. 

The delegations also agreed to start working for the liberalisation of their bilateral air transport framework in near future, with an aim to create additional opportunities for their designating airlines.-TradeArabia News Service