The deal signed by Qatar and the European Union confirms that Qatar has emerged as force to reckon with in the global aviation sector. This agreement reflects the European Union’s trust in Qatar’s potentials.
Qatar and the European Union announced on March 4 that they had initialled a Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels. The agreement will open a new era of stronger cooperation and connectivity between the two sides. The aviation agreement is the first such agreement between the European Union and a country from the Gulf region.
The aviation agreement reached between Qatar and the European Union last week will create thousands of jobs and billions of economic benefits. According to an independent economic study undertaken on behalf of the European Commission, the agreement, with its robust fair competition provisions, could generate economic benefits of nearly €3bn over the period 2019-2025 and create around 2,000 new jobs by 2025.
“This historic landmark agreement will open doors to a host of new opportunities for airlines in Europe and Qatar, ensuring fair access to markets. The negotiations have proven how positive engagement can build trust among nations. Our hope is that the proven success of these negotiations will encourage other trading blocs and significant aviation markets to join in helping to achieve a liberalised global aviation regime for future generations,” said Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive, Qatar Airways.
After the deal, Qatar will have direct access to 28 European Union countries, 500 million customers and a large cargo market, according to the European Cockpit Association.
Following last week’s initialling, both parties will prepare the signature of the agreement following their respective internal procedures. The agreement will enter into force once both internal procedures will be finalised, noted European Commission.
The agreement will benefit all stakeholders by improving connectivity through a fair and transparent competitive environment, and create strong foundations for a long-term aviation relationship.
Qatar is a close aviation partner for the European Union, with more than seven million passengers travelling between the European Union and Qatar per year under the existing 27 bilateral air transport agreements with European Union member states. Experts say that this deal will further intensify the expansion plans of Qatar’s flag carrier in Europe.
The EU-Qatar agreement is not only an aviation agreement. It creates strong foundations for a long-term relationship promoting fair and free trade.
