The State of Qatar and the European Union announced that they have concluded negotiations for a comprehensive Air Transport Agreement.
This historic agreement will be the first of its kind ever between the EU and a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member state, providing a significant competitive edge to air carriers of both sides and a sustainable framework for future operations. As a result, all air carriers from the 28 European Union member states and Qatar now have unlimited and unrestricted access to their respective territories.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Through these negotiations, both sides have demonstrated that positive engagement can build trust among nations, so they can embrace the benefits of competition. Our hope is that the success of these negotiations will encourage other trading blocs and significant aviation markets to join in achieving a liberalised global aviation regime for future generations.”
European Commission Director General Mobility and Transport, Mr. Henrik Hololei, said: “We are very pleased to have concluded our negotiations with the State of Qatar here in Doha. Thanks to the strong commitment of all parties, we have managed to reconcile our differences and found common ground through honest engagement and open dialogue.”
As part of this agreement, the State of Qatar and the EU have taken steps by agreeing to articles on: fair competition, environment, consumer protection, social aspects, and transparency, as well as the inclusion of a doing-business provision, which exempts EU carriers from the obligation to hire a local General Sales Agent in Qatar.