FREEDOMS OF THE AIR Meaning and
Definition
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The term "freedoms of the air" refers to a set of fundamental rights and privileges granted to international airlines by bilateral or multilateral agreements between countries or international bodies. These freedoms allow airlines to operate commercial flights between different countries and establish air routes.
There are typically nine freedoms of the air, which describe different types of rights granted to airlines. They range from the freedom to fly over a country's airspace without landing (First Freedom) to the freedom to transport passengers between two foreign countries via the airline's own country (Seventh Freedom). Each freedom represents a specific aspect of international air travel and is subject to varying degrees of restrictions or permissions by individual countries.
The concept of freedoms of the air is crucial for promoting international air transport, facilitating the growth of the airline industry, and ensuring fair competition among airlines. These freedoms encourage the establishment of alliances and partnerships between airlines, enable more route choices for passengers, and help boost tourism and economic development.
The allocation and regulation of freedoms of the air are usually determined through bilateral air services agreements (ASAs) between countries or through agreements made in international organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). These agreements play a vital role in maintaining the harmony and balance of aviation rights between nations while promoting the growth and connectivity of the global air transport network.
