Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Agapito Mba Mokuy, signed an open skies air transport agreement with United States Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs, Charles Rivkin aimed at formalizing the liberalization of their bilateral aviation relationship on august 7, 2014.
Equatorial Guinea and the United States initialed the agreement in December 2013, and it has been applied via comity and reciprocity since that time. The open skies air transport agreement goes into effect upon the signing by the two parties. The agreement allows unrestricted air service for the airlines of both countries and eliminates restrictions on the frequency of flights, the type of airplanes that can be used and the prices each airline charges.
The agreement will allow for the strengthening and expansion of trade and tourism links between Equatorial Guinea and the United States, which should benefit both countries. Business travelers and tourists alike will benefit from expanded opportunities for air service and greater price competition by airlines, while commitments to aviation safety and security will be maintained.
Air service to Equatorial Guinea has grown significantly over the last several years. The country currently is served by Air France, Ethiopian, Iberia, Lufthansa, Royal Air Maroc, and Equatorial Guinea’s national carrier, Ceiba International, among others.