Singapore and Malta have inked an Open Skies Agreement (OSA) that allows for full flexibility on air services operated by carriers of both countries. The OSA will enable Singapore carriers to operate flights as frequently as desired between Singapore and points in Malta, as well as beyond Malta to any other city in the world. Similarly, Maltese carriers will be able to operate any number of services to and beyond Singapore. The Singapore-Malta OSA will become fully effective on December 1, 2010.
The agreement was reached during air services consultations between the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Department of Civil Aviation from Malta. The talks took place in Valetta, Malta during July 22-23, 2008 and both parties signed the agreement on July 23, 2008.
CAAS’ director-general and chief executive officer, Mr. Lim Kim Choon, said, “This agreement is a reflection of Singapore and Malta’s warm bilateral ties and the commitment of both sides in establishing a fully liberal air services framework. The OSA will enable our carriers to capitalize on market opportunities that arise in (the) future.”
With the Singapore – Malta OSA, Singapore has concluded OSAs with about 30 countries, including 15 in the European Union.
As of August 1, 2008, Changi Airport is served by 80 scheduled airlines operating more than 4,400 weekly scheduled flights to 191 cities in 61 countries.
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:
- The OSA will enable Singapore carriers to operate flights as frequently as desired between Singapore and points in Malta, as well as beyond Malta to any other city in the world.
- Lim Kim Choon, said, “This agreement is a reflection of Singapore and Malta’s warm bilateral ties and the commitment of both sides in establishing a fully liberal air services framework.
- The agreement was reached during air services consultations between the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Department of Civil Aviation from Malta.
