Europe and Canada are close international partners, with strong economic, cultural and political ties. However, arrangements for air transport do not reflect this reality, with Canada having restrictive or no agreements on aviation with the vast majority of Member States. The new Agreement transforms this important market to the benefit of European and Canadian consumers and airlines. It also brings legal certainty to operations between the EU and Canada by recognising the principles of the EU internal aviation market and of a Community carrier.

The Agreement on civil aviation safety between the European Community and Canada, published under Council Decision 2009/469/EC in the Official Journal of the European Union on June 17th 2009, will directly contribute to the further development of trade between the EU and Canada. Aviation is crucial for bringing Canada and the EU closer together by facilitating the flow of people and valuable goods. The opening of our aviation markets could bring economic benefits of at least € 72 million and more than 1,000 extra jobs in the first year alone.

Objectives of the EU/Canada Agreement on civil aviation safety

• To establish, consistent with the legislation in force within each Party, principles and arrangements in order to enable the reciprocal acceptance of approvals issued by either Party’s Competent Authorities in the fields covered by the Agreement.
• To allow the Parties to adapt to the emerging trend toward multinational design, manufacture, maintenance, and interchange of Civil Aeronautical Products, involving the common interests of the Parties concerning civil aviation safety and environmental quality.
• To promote cooperation toward sustaining safety and environmental quality objectives.
• To promote and facilitate the continuing exchange of Civil Aeronautical Products and services.

The general scope of the Agreement applies to:

• The Airworthiness Approval and Monitoring of Civil Aeronautical Products.
• The continuing airworthiness of in-service aircraft.
• The approval and Monitoring of production and manufacturing facilities.
• The approval and Monitoring of maintenance facilities.
• The Environmental Approval and environmental testing of Civil Aeronautical Products.
• Related cooperative activities.

The EU/Canada Agreement on civil aviation safety will enter into force on the date of the last note of an exchange of Diplomatic Notes in which the Parties notify each other of the completion of their internal procedures necessary for the entry into force, and will remain in force until terminated by either Party.