Canada and UK agree to ‘open skies’ after Brexit

By Brett Ballah on December 1, 2018

Canada and Britain agree to allow open competition for air travel after Brexit
Carriers from the two countries will be allowed to compete on routes, frequencies and fares
3.5 million people travelled between Britain and Canada in 2017

Millions of Canadians will continue to have easy access to one of the world’s largest travel markets once Great Britain leaves the European Union in March.

Canada and the United Kingdom have agreed to an open skies agreement that will allow airlines to fly any number of flights between the two countries. The deal takes effect when Britain is no longer covered by a similar agreement between Canada and the European Union.

Britain is to leave the European Union on March 29, 2019, and politicians are debating the future relationship they may have after Brexit. The deal with Canada provides the same access to Britain that Canadians have now.

“The Canada-UK trading relationship is at the core of our DNA as a trading nation,” said International Trade Diversification Minister Jim Carr. “It reinforces confidence for millions of friends and families travelling between our two great nations and ensures that Canadian exporters will continue to benefit from critical air transport services across the Atlantic for their goods and services.”

Britain is one of the most popular overseas destinations for Canadians and the United Kingdom is also the largest source of overseas visitors to Canada. London-Heathrow is also one of the world’s largest air hubs.

“The United Kingdom is one of our largest air travel markets as well as a key trading partner and valued ally.” – Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport

Air Canada maintains its largest international operation at London-Heathrow. It flies more than 2 million Canadians to London Heathrow every year.

The airline is happy with Saturday’s announcement.”We applaud both governments for their foresight in making advance preparations to ensure the stability of this vital market,” said Ferio Pugliese, Senior Vice President, Regional Markets and Government Relations at Air Canada.

Air Canada maintains its largest international operation at London-Heathrow. It flies more than 2 million Canadians to London Heathrow every year. The airline is happy with Saturday’s announcement.

“We applaud both governments for their foresight in making advance preparations to ensure the stability of this vital market,” said Ferio Pugliese, Senior Vice President, Regional Markets and Government Relations at Air Canada.

Wesjet plans to fly 31 flights to London in the summer 2019, including its newest plane, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. (photo: Boeing)

Westjet is also making major inroads into London-Gatwick, planning 31 flights every week from Canada in the summer 2019, including its first flights with new Boeing 787 Dreamliners.