Parliament: Air services agreements between Greece, Malaysia and India approved by a majority

The agreements of the air services of Greece with Malaysia and India were approved by a majority of the Production and Trade Committee of the Parliament.

Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Michalis Papadopoulos, referring to the two agreements, said that they aim to develop bilateral relations in the field of air services but also regulate issues of establishment and operation of international airlines, and allow the market to be exploited by airlines. two sides, through connection points and to destinations beyond Greece and the respective countries.

“The faster these agreements are implemented, the faster the country, the citizens, will benefit,” said Mr. Papadopoulos, adding that tourism, freight traffic and the aviation interests of Greece will be served.

ND rapporteur Konstantinos Kollias was in favor of approving the two agreements, saying that they would be particularly beneficial for Greece, especially in the economic field. The MP stated that one or more airlines will be appointed from each country to operate regular international flights between Greece, Malaysia, India and that significant market opportunities are provided through trade cooperation agreements.

The rapporteur of SYRIZA, Christos Giannoulis, although he pointed out that his party will vote for the two agreements, stated a reservation for the plenary in order to have the opportunity to be placed in the Plenary. As he pointed out, the two agreements are a product of diplomatic and political cooperation of the previous government. The SYRIZA MP referred to the APA (Civil Aviation Authority) and its role in aviation issues and security-related controls, noting that the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport must provide answers for the reorganization of the APA and its possibility to adequately carry out these checks.

Change Movement spokesman Christos Gokas, who has expressed reservations about the plenary in order for his party to have the right to speak, said the two conventions are moving in a positive direction, are expected to better serve passenger and commercial transport and will strengthen tourism. Mr. Gokas also referred to security issues, and stressed that all provisions and standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization, the EU and the parties themselves should be exhausted.

KKE spokesman Ioannis Delis said he was voting against the two agreements, adding that they primarily serve the interests of airlines and a portion of commercial capital. He also stressed that the Greek state undertakes the preparation and opening of business fields in transport, trade, tourism and ensures the profitability of Greek business groups abroad and ensures the observance of the rules of capitalist competition in this sector.

Hellenic Solution expert Vassilis Viliardos, who also expressed reservations, called on the government to respond if the agreement is related to the opening of tourism, based on pressure from FRAPORT, in order to increase its arrivals.

The special speaker of MERA25, George Logiadis, expressed reservations for the plenary, said that they are open skies agreements, and stressed that for MERA25 the issues of aviation security and the competent supervisory authorities are crucial. He also stressed that his party is not opposed to such agreements, but is opposed to the privatization of airports and the sale of basic infrastructure, as the memorandum governments did.

Source: AMPE