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DOHA
Qatar and the European Union signed a landmark Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement in Luxembourg recently, an aviation agreement that will ensure the highest level of safety and security, while enhancing connectivity and freedom of movement for travellers.
The Aviation Agreement was signed by Qatar’s Minister of Transport HE Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, Slovenia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs An?e Logar, whose country is currently holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell.
Qatar and the EU Member States are strategic partners and the relationship between both parties has been much closer since June 2016, after the European Commission obtained authorisation from the EU Council to negotiate this Aviation Agreement.
Delegates from Qatar and the European Commission started negotiations in September 2016 and met for five formal rounds of negotiations, with the conclusion of such negotiations announced during the CAPA Qatar Aviation Aeropolitical and Regulatory Summit held in Doha on February 5 and 6, 2019.
Subsequently, the Aviation Agreement was initialed by both parties in Brussels on March 4, 2019 in a ceremony attended by senior officials of the European Commission, EU Member States, major European airlines and key aviation industry associations and specialised agencies.
Qatar Airways welcomes the Aviation Agreement with European partners, which is far more relevant and modern than any other related to air transport.
This Aviation Agreement represents the new global benchmark for aviation agreements, providing a single set of rules, high standards and a platform for future cooperation on a wide range of aviation issues, such as safety, security, environment, competition, consumer protection, social matters and air traffic management.
Environment is noted as a key highlight of the agreement, recognising the importance of working together, to consider and minimise the effects of aviation on the environment.
Qatar Airways, as one of the primary customers of this Aviation Agreement, has already taken steps to move forward with several initiatives to address climate change - one of the most pressing topics within the European Union. Qatar Airways, in addition to embracing the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) commitments to carbon-neutral growth beginning in 2020 with further annual emissions reduction targets, is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, aligning with the European Green Deal.
Sulaiti said, “The Agreement is a testimony to Qatar’s notable profile in air transportation and that the national carrier has such an active role around the world.”
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker said, “We are very glad that the European Union and its Member States have continued to recognise and understand the value our Aviation Agreement brings to their economies.
“Signing this historic Aviation Agreement will bring together industry stakeholders, creating new opportunities for synergies to develop the aviation sector. Based on what we have achieved in the past, I am convinced that Qatar Airways will continue to play an ever-increasing role in the development of the European air transport industry. As a leading airline, we understand the importance of meeting the targets as set in the European Green Deal and we will work together to achieve the climate neutrality goals.”
Logar said, “The agreement is a crowning achievement of years of negotiations. Qatar is an important partner of the EU and this agreement represents the continuation of our close cooperation”
Commissioner for Mobility and Transport Adina V?lean said, “This agreement, the first one between the EU and the Gulf region, is a global benchmark for forward-looking aviation agreements. It is testimony to our shared commitment to economically, socially and environmentally sustainable aviation, based on a modern framework covering fair competition and closer cooperation on social and environmental matters. This agreement will bring new opportunities, more choice and higher standards for passengers, industry and aviation workers.”
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26/10/2021
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