EU and Jordan sign air transport agreement

European Union and Jordan signed (21-Dec-2010) a comprehensive air services agreement which will open up and integrate their respective markets, strengthen cooperation and offer new opportunities for consumers and operators. The agreement will establish a "Euro Mediterranean Aviation Area" between Jordan and the EU with the EU-Jordan relationship culminating in an "advanced status partnership" and a new ENP Action Plan. The agreement will open the respective markets and integrate Jordan into a common aviation area with the EU. As a result of the agreement, Jordan will harmonise its legislation with European standards and implement EU aviation rules in areas such as aviation safety, security, environment, consumer protection, air traffic management, competition issues and social aspects. The agreement will enable all EU airlines to operate direct services to Jordan from anywhere in the EU and vice-versa for Jordanian carriers. The cross-investments between Jordan and Europe will be encouraged allowing any EU carriers to set up a subsidiary in Jordan and vice-versa. The agreement will remove all restrictions on prices, routes and quotas of flights between Jordan and the EU. This agreement will pave the way for the creation of a wider Euro Mediterranean Aviation Area with the various Mediterranean partners. [more]