NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved signing of an air services agreement (ASA) between India and Greece that will allow Indian carriers to operate Athens and two other cities to Greece and any three more destinations, while Greece can establish direct operation to 6 metros New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Chennai.
According to an official statement issued after the cabinet meeting the ASA will spur greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural ties. The government said the agreement is in tune with the developments in the civil aviation sector. “It will provide enabling environment for enhanced and seamless connectivity while providing commercial opportunities to the carriers of both the sides ensuring greater safety and security,” an official statement said.
As per the ASA both countries are entitled to designate one or more airline. The designated airlines of either country will have the right to establish offices in the territory of the other country for the promotion end sale of air services.
According to the agreement, the designated airlines of the two countries would have fair and equal opportunity to operate the agreed services on specified routes. The designated airline of each party can enter into cooperative marketing arrangements with the designated carriers of same party, other party and third country
Any points shall be available as intermediate and beyond point for the designated carriers of India as well as the designated carriers of Greece.
At present there is no ASA between India and Greece. The delegations of two sides met in New Delhi on September 6, 2016 and finalized the text of ASA.
The agreement is as per latest International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) template keeping in view the latest developments in civil aviation sector and with an objective to improve the air connectivity between the two countries, the government said.