OTTAWA — Canada has signed an expanded air transport agreement with Colombia that will significantly increase the number of flight options between the two countries.

As announced today by Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra, the recent conclusion of the agreement allows designated airlines of both countries to operate an unlimited number of passenger and cargo flights to an unlimited number of destinations in Canada and Colombia. This marks a significant increase from the previous agreement, which allowed 14 passenger and 14 cargo flights per week.

The new rights under the expanded agreement are available for use by airlines immediately.

Colombia is currently Canada’s largest South American international air transport market.

“This significantly expanded agreement will improve connectivity for passengers and businesses in Canada and Colombia, and demonstrates our commitment to enhance air services with Latin America. Our government will continue to strengthen our economy and our air sector, and this expanded agreement will help Canadian businesses do just that,” said Minister Alghabra.

Canada’s first air transport agreement with Colombia  concluded in 2012. This agreement was reached under Canada’s Blue Sky policy, which encourages long-term, sustainable competition and the development of international air services.

Since the launch of the Blue Sky policy in November 2006, the Government of Canada has negotiated air transport agreements with more than 100 countries. It most recently announced a newly expanded air transport agreement between Canada and India, which allows unlimited flights between both countries.