Guyana, Morocco sign open skies deal to spur trade, travel

Guyana and Morocco on Thursday signed an Open Skies Air Services Agreement to facilitate air travel between the two countries and beyond to third destinations.
The agreement was signed in Marrakech by Morocco’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, and Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Lt. Col. (ret’d) Egbert Field, on the sidelines of the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium held from April 14–16.
The deal establishes a framework to liberalise market access for airlines, allowing carriers from both countries to expand routes and operations. It includes provisions on traffic rights, airline designation and authorisation, user charges, recognition of licences, customs duties, tariffs and commercial activities.
The agreement is expected to boost competition in air transport, strengthen trade links and support economic growth. It could also encourage airlines to include Guyana in their international networks. There are currently no direct flights between the two countries.
The pact adds to more than 50 air services agreements Guyana has concluded with other ICAO member states to improve global connectivity.
Guyana and Morocco established diplomatic relations on December 14, 2012.