Ethiopia and Rwanda concluded an air service agreement in the aim of opening one another’s air space. The agreement enables RwandAir and Ethiopian Airlines to operate without restrictions.

Both airlines are bestowed with operating for unlimited frequencies in week for passenger as well as cargo services.

According to the agreement all air service operations will be conducted under the fifth freedom arrangement; which means an airline will have the right to carry passengers from one country to another and from that country to a third country. The agreement also states parties need the approval of aeronautical authorities when they want to exercise fifth freedom traffic rights beyond Africa.

With regard to taxation, the agreement stipulates each contracting party will exempt the airline designated by the other contracting party for any tax on income generated while operating international service.

Commenting on the development Gobena Guangul, the Ethiopia Civil Aviation Authority deputy director general in charge of aviation regulation, noted the agreement opens doors for a code share agreement between Ethiopian Airlines and RwandAir.

Speaking on his part John Mirenge, the RwandAir chief executive officer, noted the development will benefit his airline’s operations.

The agreement was signed between Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA) and Ethiopia Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA).

Source: New Times