ASEAN ready to open its skies, at last
No-one is holding their breath, but ASEAN ministers are ready to sit down once more to discuss the contentious issue of an open skies aviation agreement between member countries.
Speaking to TravelMole TV at the ASEAN Tourism Forum, Singapore Tourism Board deputy chairman and chief executive Lim Neo Chian said that connectivity and open skies were two of the big issues for ASEAN nations.
He said it was not just Singapore that was making the call for open skies in the region.
“Among ASEAN tourism ministers there is a strong commitment (to open skies). Ultimately, we all understand that without open skies there is an impediment to tourism growth.
“We have all agreed to engage in some very serious dialogue with our respective transport ministers,” said Lim.
The STB chief said that he expected the first open skies agreement would see flights between ASEAN capital cities in 2008.
“That would be a good beginning,” Lim told TravelMole TV. He said unrestricted air services between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur would be part of the deal. “That is my understanding.”
Indonesia, which has so far protected its national airlines from open skies competition, may also be moving to amend its aviation strategy.
Vice president Josuf Kalla told the Bali Post that he had urged “the relevant government agencies to sit down and discuss national aviation policy as it impacts on tourism policy.
Kalla said “the Minister of Transportation must ensure air access and (airline) seat availability.
Ian Jarrett
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