By Staff Correspondent
The Indian government has approved the signing of an Air Services Agreement (ASA) with the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, according to a recent announcement by the Union Cabinet. The agreement, which will come into force once the necessary internal procedures have been completed by both parties, will establish a framework for providing air services between the two nations.
With a sizeable Indian presence in Guyana – comprising around 40% of the population, according to a 2012 census – the ASA will provide a legal basis for air operations between the two countries and pave the way for greater international air connectivity. As the Indian aviation market continues to grow and develop, signing ASAs with several other countries has become a priority for the government.
The agreement with Guyana will be based on the principles of sovereignty of nations, nationality of carriers and reciprocity in terms of commercial opportunities for designated airlines on both sides. There is no ASA between the Indian government and the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.
Both India and Guyana are signatories to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention). The agreement follows negotiations between the two countries that began at an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Air Services event in the Bahamas December 2016. The new ASA is expected to provide an enabling environment for enhanced and seamless connectivity while offering commercial opportunities for carriers on both sides.
