New Zealand aiming for ASEAN-wide open skies agreement
Xinhua, August 20, 2015 Adjust font size:
The New Zealand government on Thursday welcomed an open skies air services agreement with Cambodia as another step to an aviation accord with the 10 countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Transport Minister Simon Bridges said the agreement with Cambodia would provide improved air links between the two countries.
"ASEAN is one of our most important regional partners. Good air links with other member countries help improve New Zealand's connectivity with the region and boost visitor arrivals," Bridges said in a statement.
"A significant number of people from ASEAN countries live in New Zealand, including many international students, and they are also beneficiaries of improved air links," he said.
New Zealand now had air services agreements with eight of the 10 members of ASEAN and was working on agreements with the remaining two: Laos and Myanmar.
"We are also looking at the possibility of a comprehensive air services agreement with ASEAN as a whole," said Bridges.
In the year ended June this year, New Zealand had received 48, 500 visitors from ASEAN countries, a 57-percent increase on the same period in 2010.
Air New Zealand's code-share services to Cambodia were expected to further increase the numbers, said Bridges. Endi