Peru Signs New Open Skies Agreement with Ecuador

Diego Alarcón

By Diego Alarcón

The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC), through the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC), signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Republic of Ecuador. This agreement serves as a supplement to Decision 582 of the Andean Community, representing a key step forward for the nation’s trade and air transport.

Consequently, the pact completely supersedes the previous agreement signed in June 2012 and introduces a much broader open skies framework. This framework is based on the reciprocal granting of sixth freedom rights of the air to transport passengers, cargo, and mail; therefore, airlines will be able to connect traffic to third countries by crossing their own territories, without limitations on capacity, routes, or flight frequency, which will expand flight options and benefit passengers.

Furthermore, the treaty includes the granting of seventh freedom rights focused on strengthening the supply chain and agricultural exports, a measure designed to bolster logistics and the agricultural export sector. Similarly, the implementation of code-sharing trade agreements is approved, encompassing even domestic flights that serve as connections for international routes.

It is important to note that this agreement was signed in Quito by the Director General of the DGAC (Peruvian Civil Aviation Authority), Paola Marín, and the Undersecretary of Air Transport of Ecuador, Carlos Mora, within the framework of the IV Andean Air Transport Forum of the Andean Community. This event analyzed the challenges and international practices for modernizing the regulatory framework, seeking to position the air sector as the main facilitator of inbound tourism and intra-community trade.

Finally, the MTC (Ministry of Transport and Communications) reiterates its goal of continuing to promote the liberalization of international air transport. This strategy aims to consolidate Peru as the strategic hub of the Pacific. thereby promoting sustained growth that directly boosts the country’s economic and social development.