Chile and Argentina signed, in Buenos Aires, a memorandum of understanding to promote air connectivity between both countries, in progress towards the «open skies» policy promoted by the current administration in the Casa Rosada.
The general secretary of the Chilean Civil Aeronautics Board, Martin Mackennasigned the document the day before with his counterpart Franco MogettaSecretary of Trans-Andean Transportation, within the framework of the VI Binational Commission on Trade, Investment and Economic Relations Chile-Argentina that took place this week.
According to the neighboring country’s portfolio, the memorandum «is intended to address matters of mutual interest in the field of air services, with immediate and definitive effects«; as well as «advance in measures that enhance the air sector and international connectivity.»
In the trans-Andean nation they see this agreement as an opportunity to «expand the panorama to the entire region and position Argentina as a possible recipient of new airlines», and that «in turn, opens the market even further for Argentine airlines» in Chili.
The «open skies» policy promoted by the government of Javier Milei «it’s starting to become a reality»Secretary Mogetta relieved.
The signed agreement aims to expand opportunities for airlines throughout the region, positioning Argentina as an attractive destination for new airlines and opening the doors of the Chilean market to Argentine airlines. pic.twitter.com/ULGD8O167Q
— Franco Mogetta (@FrancoMogetta) April 23, 2024
In the Foreign Ministry 🇦🇷, Chile and Argentina signed a memorandum of understanding on air services to promote connectivity between 🇨🇱🇦🇷. @Minrel_Chile @CancilleriaARG @gdelafue @clausanhueza @AlbertoKlaveren @ pic.twitter.com/nUFXR5m0eB
— Embassy of Chile in Argentina (@EmbaChileArg) April 24, 2024
In fact, according to Clarionthe signing comes after, in March, the Casa Rosada already advanced in a policy of liberalizing flights with Brazil, in order to promote the opening of the air market to the detriment of the «privileged position» maintained by the state-owned Aerolíneas Argentinas in previous administrations.
In addition, at the meeting the officials began a Air Services agreement which will govern provisionally, subject to the constitutional procedures of each country and the confirmation of non-aeronautical clauses by specific organizations, such as the Central Bank and Customs, among others.
Present at the signing of the memorandum, which took place at the San Martín Palace, headquarters of the Trans-Andean Foreign Ministry, were the Chilean ambassador to that country, José Antonio Viera Gallo, and the undersecretary of International Economic Relations, Claudia Sanhueza.