Jeff Poole, Head of Government Relations, IATA: If you look at open skies, it is not a big aviation issue. Look at the benefits of aviation. Talking to governments to strengthen the message about the benefits of aviation. Needed is more connectivity, how to do that? Open up the skies. Everybody is in competition with one another–airlines compete with other airlines, as countries compete for tourists.
Boubacar Djibo, Director of Air Transport Bureau, (ICAO): First, we need to fit in the UN framework. Second, it is out mandate to develop free movement of people. You cannot develop aviation without cooperation. We need to open the markets.
Alex de Gunten, Executive Director, Latin American and
Caribbean Air Transport Association: There have been many changes in Latin America. It is interesting to see a lot of speakers saying, “We get it.” That’s nice, but “getting it” needs to be put in to action. One of many obstacles is infrastructure, we can have open skies but if you do not have an airport to land planes. If you really get, invest in it.
Wykeham McNeill, Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Jamaica: There are number of efforts have been enforced to liberalize air space. In dealing with air service agreements, it is a process.
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:
- It is interesting to see a lot of speakers saying, “We get it.
- If you look at open skies, it is not a big aviation issue.
- One of many obstacles is infrastructure, we can have open skies but if you do not have an airport to land planes.