Port of Spain (October 30, 2008) - With the ratification by the Republic of Suriname, the Air Transport Agreement among the Member States and Associate Members of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) has entered into force. The Agreement required the ratification by at least 9 signatory countries of the text negotiated in the framework of the 28 Member Association.

The Agreement encompasses 1st – 4th Freedom Rights to Parties, as it grants to the designated airlines the right to fly across territories without landing, make stops for non-traffic purposes, deplane traffic in a foreign country that was enplaned in the home country of the carrier and enplane traffic in the foreign country that is bound for the home country of the carrier. In respect of the exercise of the right to enplane traffic at one territory and deplane it at third foreign point (5th Freedom) each Party may decide to allow for the exercise of such rights among the Parties concerned or their exercise on the reciprocal and liberal exchange of rights.

The ACS policy to “Unite the Caribbean by Air and Sea” led the Association to negotiate this text to offer the legal framework for a variety of air service options, whilst ensuring the highest degree of operational safety and security in regional civil aviation. The entry into force of this Agreement must be seen as a significant step in the opening of the skies of the Greater Caribbean and a clear message of the political will of the ACS Membership to address the serious deficiencies in the air and sea interconnection of our region.

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