Cabinet approves signing of Air Services Agreement between India and Greece

In order to encourage greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchange between India and Greece, Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved the signing of Air Services Agreement (ASA) between the two countries.

The Agreement has the potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries bringing it 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.

The essential features of the ASA are as follows:

1) Both countries shall be entitled to designate one or more airline

2) The designated airlines of either country shall have the right to establish offices in the territory of the other country for the promotion end sale of air services

3) The designated airlines of the two countries shall have fair and equal opportunity to operate the agreed services on specified routes.

4) The designated airlines of each party can enter into cooperative marketing arrangements with the designated carriers of same party, other party and third country

5) As per the route schedule, the Indian carriers can operate to Athens, Thessaloniki, HerakIion and any three points to be specified later in Greece from points in India, whereas the carriers of Hellenic Republic can establish direct operation to six metros viz. New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Chennai

At present there is no ASA between India and Greece.

The delegations of two sides had met in New Delhi on September 6 and 7, 2016 and finalised 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.