UAE signs open skies agreement with Sweden

The United Arab Emirates, represented by the General Civil Aviation Authority, GCAA, has signed an open skies agreement in its final form with the Kingdom of Sweden.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, and Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to the UAE, signed the agreement. The signing ceremony took place in the Sheikh Zayed Air Navigation Centre.

The signing ceremony was also attended by Laila Ali bin Hareb Al Muhairi, Assistant Director-General of Strategy and International Affairs in the GCAA, Captain Khalid Humaid Al Ali, Director of Air Transport in the GCAA, and a number of officials from both parties.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Al Suwaidi said, "Conducting air transport agreements with other countries plays a crucial role due to its positive effect in boosting investment and tourism and to strengthen business ties between the United Arab Emirates and countries from all around the globe."

The signed agreement enables both parties full flexibility on routes, capacity, frequency and types of aircraft, whether owned or leased, to be operated by the designated airlines of each country in any type of service and it also includes the exercise of 'fifth freedom' traffic rights. This agreement is also in line with the federal government's approach that looks forward to wider horizons in terms of trade relations with various countries of the world.

Laila bin Hareb Al Muhairi said, "The main aim of conducting open skies agreements is to continuously strive promoting open skies policy with countries around the world and to support national carriers like Emirates, Etihad, Fly Dubai and Air Arabia. Doing so will benefit national carriers, business men, commercial companies and tourists, as well as help enhance air transport services and encourage free competition."