The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Civil Aviation Authority, signed six bilateral air transport agreements today with Uganda, Seychelles, Suriname, Chile, Chad, and Australia. These agreements aim to regulate operational and technical aspects to serve mutual interests in organizing air transport services between Oman and these countries. The agreements were signed during the ICAO Air Transport Negotiation Conference, organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and hosted by the Malaysian Ministry of Transport from October 21 to 25, 2024. The conference was attended by representatives of civil aviation authorities from around the world, along with many regional and international organizations specializing in civil aviation.

The agreements were signed on behalf of Oman by His Excellency Eng. Naif bin Ali bin Hamad Al-Abri, President of the Civil Aviation Authority. Representing Uganda, Mr. Olive Birungi Lumonya, Deputy Director General, signed the agreement. From the Republic of Seychelles, His Excellency Antony Gerard Derjacques, Minister of Transport, signed on behalf of the government. The agreement with the Republic of Suriname was signed by His Excellency Orayakit Ramsaran, Minister of Transport, Communications, and Tourism.

The agreement was also signed by Mr. Martin Mackenna, Secretary General Civil Aeronautics Board, on behalf of the Republic of Chile, and by Mr. Jim Wolfe, Assistant Secretary of International Aviation, representing Australia. Finally, His Excellency Hussain Yousfmi, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Transport, Civil Aviation, and National Meteorology, signed on behalf of the Republic of Chad. The signing ceremony was attended by several officials from the Omani side and other countries in the field of civil aviation.

The agreements included 24 articles, in addition to appendices specifying the air route schedules between the Sultanate of Oman and the other countries. These articles covered various provisions, including economic regulations and organizational and operational cooperation. They enable designated airlines from both countries to operate a number of passenger and cargo flights between airports in Oman and those in the other countries. Furthermore, the agreements allow these airlines to enter into cooperative agreements for code-sharing.

His Excellency Eng. Naif bin Ali bin Hamad Al-Abri, President of the Civil Aviation Authority, emphasized the importance of the strong relationships between the Sultanate of Oman and the countries with which these agreements were signed. He stated that the Authority aims to advance the civil aviation sector by enhancing cooperation in the field of air transport with various countries and increasing the operation of airlines to and from Oman's airports. This, he noted, will contribute to supporting the growth of economic, social, and tourism activities in the Sultanate of Oman.

It is worth noting that the Sultanate of Oman currently has bilateral agreements in the field of air transport with many countries worldwide, totaling 129 agreements, of which 82 follow an open skies policy. These agreements aim to regulate air transport services, including technical and operational aspects, and to strengthen civil aviation relations with countries around the world.