UAE signs open skies agreement with the Kingdom of Sweden

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

Saif Mohammed 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 added: “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, tourists as well as it will help enhance air transport services and encourage free competition”.

In addition to that, this agreement guarantees sustainable growth for national carriers in both countries. Also, it helps support plans and investments related to air transport that is being targeted by national carriers in the United Arab Emirates. The agreement opens new horizons in cooperation by opening new routes for national carriers.

The UAE is working on urging countries to sign open skies agreements that will eliminate all restrictions on international air transport movement. The UAE has strong ties with all the European Union countries through agreements signed between them, which contributes in providing many investment opportunities and jobs in all EU states.