News
Canada, Japan explore deal for aviation maintenance
May 2, 2012, Leipzig, Ger. - Canada and Japan are working to reach a technical agreement on aviation maintenance. The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today met with Osamu Yoshida, Japan's Senior Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to discuss the issue at the International Transport Forum's 2012 summit in Leipzig.
May 2, 2012 By Carey Fredericks
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda initiated work towards the
proposed agreement. Under this agreement, each country's aviation
authority would recognize aviation maintenance performed under the rules
of the other country as if the work had been performed under its own
rules.
"Japan is an important and long-standing air transport
partner for Canada," said Minister Lebel. "This technical agreement will
keep our aviation systems safe while avoiding unnecessary and costly
delays for air operators and travellers."
The air maintenance agreement will build on the sound
collaborative relationship that already exists between Canada and
Japan's aviation authorities. For example, in September 2011, successful
negotiations led to an expansion of the bilateral air transport
agreement, providing more possibilities for air services between the two
countries. The expanded arrangement includes greater access for
Canadian airlines to Tokyo's Narita Airport and added flexibility for
airline routings. The agreement also includes additional rights for
services between Canada and Japan through third countries.
The International Transport Forum's annual summit brings
together 53 countries and over 800 participants, including
transportation ministers, experts, researchers, business leaders and
members of the international media. It aims to find solutions to global
transport-related issues and foster a deeper understanding of the
integral role transportation plays in the world economy. The broad range
of participants makes the forum unique among multilateral
organizations.
