The UK has signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement with Zambia that will allow airlines from Europe and southern Africa unrestricted access to enter each other’s markets.
Sara Sayifwanda, Zambia’s minister of communication and transport, signed the agreement on behalf of her government, reports The Zambian Times.
She told the paper that it has taken both countries four years of consultations before they decided to sign the agreement.
Ms Sayifwanda said that the agreement now contains the Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights and Code Sharing, as well as Third Country Sharing.
“I am pleased that the Zambian Government has accepted the clause after consultation and in fulfilment of constitutional formalities,” she commented.
Alistair Harrison, British high commissioner to Zambia, added: “This agreement replaces the agreement signed in 1968 and now allows for any European and southern African airline to enter the UK or Zambian market without restrictions.
“Air services between UK and Zambia have been operating since the 1960s and the current service by British Airways provides a vital direct link between Zambia, the UK and Europe.”
