India negotiating with African nations on fifth freedom rights to Latin America

India is negotiating with African nations for fifth freedom rights to enable the nation's airlines to operate to destinations in Latin America. If such a freedom were permitted, Indian airlines would be able to operate from a destination in Africa to Latin American destinations, while African airlines would be able to operate to Southeast Asia destinations via India with full traffic rights. Jet Airways would likely be a key beneficiary of the potential right liberalisation from the Indian side as it is the only Indian carrier operating to Africa. No airlines operate between India and Latin America at present, creating considerable growth opportunities between two emerging and fast growing regions.

At the International Civil Aviation Negotiations Conference in Mumbai from 17-Oct-2011 to 22-Oct-2011, India's Civil Aviation Minister, Vayalar Ravi stated a special session was held to discuss connectivity between India and Africa. Mr Ravi also said India has offered to establish an aviation training academy in Africa, in order to help capacity building by training African personnel in India. "Given the potential for growth in future we could explore the possibility of special group to discuss co-operation in the civil aviation sector under the umbrella of our co-operation with the African union," Mr Ravi stated.