On January 24, the bilateral agreement known as "Open Skies" came into force, which considers flights between both countries as domestic.
The agreement reached between the two countries, which aims to promote tourism and investment, was announced by the vice presidents of Guatemala, Guillermo Castillo, and El Salvador, Felix Ulloa.
The governments of both countries signed an Open Skies agreement which allows designated airlines to fly between the two countries.
From a statement issued by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport:
The Minister of Public Works and Transportation, Carlos Segnini and his counterpart from Singapore, Lui Tuck Yew, signed a memorandum of understanding which will allow for, in the short term, a formal open skies agreement between the two countries.
An agreement is being established to promote the arrival of new airlines into the country streamlining the processes of registration and starting commercial operations.
The Superintendency of Competition and Civil Aviation has signed an agreement designed to promote competition in the airline market in the country, streamlining and simplifying the formalities the must be completed in order to start operations.
A 10% increase is projected in the number of Canadian tourists visiting El Salvador when the agreement between the governments becomes official.
During the six month long winter season from December to May, about 16 million Canadians leave their country in search of warm destinations in the Caribbean and Central America, and on average, about 25,000 of them come to El Salvador.
The memorandum signed by both nations covers topics such as exploitation rights and customs, commercial representation and other things.
From a press release issued by the Presidency of Panama:
Under the framework of the XXIII Ibero-American Summit, Panama and Portugal signed this Saturday, October 19th, a new bilateral air services agreement, a product of the discussions that have been "held in a cordial atmosphere, between delegations of the two countries".
A series of reforms to the Civil Aeronautics Act establishes a policy of open skies and eventual pricing setting.
From a press release issued by the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador:
With 81 votes in favor, the Members of Parliament on Thursday approved nine amendments to the Civil Aeronautics Act, among which is the creation of an Open Skies policy which is consistent with globalization and with the regulations of other countries, to enable authorities to establish competitive agreements with air transport markets on a large scale.
There has been a favourable response to the bill establishing an open skies policy based on reciprocity with states and airlines.
From a press release by the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador:
The Commission of Public Works, Transport and Housing of the Legislative Assembly, reached a favourable ruling regarding the reform to the Civil Aviation Act, to establish in the country a "Open Skies Policy" and create greater competitiveness in the airlines market with fares which are more accessible to users.