Bangkok--11 Sep--Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation Canada continues to find more trading partners willing to enter open skies agreements, following the launch of its Blue Sky international air transportation policy in Nov-06. Minister for Transport, Lawrence Cannon, said at the time that Canada’s previous approach was to gradually reduce restrictions in air agreements, while under the new policy, “the focus will be to pursue the negotiation of open skies-type agreements when it is in Canada’s overall interest”. The policy heralds another turn in the direction of liberalisation by a government that was not so many years ago unapologetically protectionist. The policy dovetails with the government’s Asia Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative, announced in Oct-06, designed to strengthen Canada’s competitive position in international commerce. New Zealand has agreed to update its 1985 bilateral agreement with Canada, dropping all restrictions on travel to/from each country, as well as permitting fifth freedom services. The news is positive, particularly for Air New Zealand, which plans to launch service to Vancouver in Nov-07. With its new fleet of long-range widebody aircraft, Toronto could potentially come into the frame as a future non-stop destination. Meanwhile, Canada has reached its first-ever bilateral agreement with Jordan, enabling carriers to operate to two destinations in either country, as well as codeshare rights. oneworld member, Royal Jordanian, currently operates twice weekly service to Montreal from Amman and could target Toronto with its new fleet of 12 B787s on order.Note to editors:About Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) was founded in 1990 and has since built an international reputation as the leading specialist aviation consultancy in the Asia Pacific, the Indian Subcontinent and Middle East regions. CAPA Consulting’s strategic advisory services are supported by the extensive information and data services provided by the Centre’s Market Research Unit to aviation industry leaders every day. The Centre also holds regular Aviation Leadership Summits, which provide unique opportunities for the exchange of ideas and experiences. Head Office, Sydney: Derek Sadubin, Chief Operating Officer Aurora Place, Level 4, 88 Phillip St Sydney PO Box N777, Grosvenor Place Sydney, NSW Australia 2000 Email: [email protected] Southeast Asia Regional Office: Richard Pinkham, Regional Director, Southeast Asia Email: [email protected] Indian Subcontinent and Middle East Office: Kapil Kaul, CEO Indian Subcontinent & Middle East Email: [email protected] UK/Europe Office: David Bentley, UK Associate Email: [email protected] North America Regional Office: Martti Raito, Regional Director, North America Email: [email protected] North Asia Representatives: Korea: Kyung-sup Lee. Email: [email protected] Japan: Reiko Sonoyama. Email: [email protected] More information is available on the Centre’s website: www.centreforaviation.com