Working group given 12 months to harmonize cross-border aviation rules
Aviation authorities from Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Paraguay signed a memorandum of understanding in Asunción on Tuesday that lays the groundwork for a proposed South American Single Sky, an integrated aviation market modeled on the European Union’s single-air-travel zone, United Press International reported.
The agreement seeks to progressively eliminate national barriers to passenger and cargo traffic across the four countries, with the aim of increasing direct routes, boosting competition and reducing airfares, according to the memorandum. If fully implemented, the system would allow an airline from one participating country to carry passengers within another member country’s domestic routes, breaking up longstanding monopolies on local air service.
The first immediate step, according to the memorandum, has been the activation of bilateral agreements allowing airlines to operate commercial flights between two foreign countries without the flight originating in, ending in or passing through the airline’s home country.
To avoid political delays and the creation of costly bureaucratic bodies, the agreement established a strict timetable, according to officials cited by UPI. An executive working group, with Paraguay assigned overall coordination, has up to 12 months to coordinate regulatory frameworks.
The multisector technical commission’s immediate tasks include harmonizing technical and operational safety regulations and establishing direct recognition of licenses for flight crews and other aviation personnel, according to the memorandum. The group also must establish unified standards for protecting passenger rights and coordinate streamlined customs and immigration procedures at regional airports.
Authorities said they expect the initiative to increase the number of direct routes, boost competition and significantly reduce airfares across the region. The memorandum remains open to adding new members, and official delegations confirmed that talks with Uruguay are at an advanced stage.