Liberalisation of air cargo transport

mmpPDFResearch PaperDSTI/DOT(2002)1/REV1Air cargoRegulatory reformInternational compactsInternational transportationOrganisation for Economic Co-operation and DevelopmentOrganisation for Economic Co-operation and DevelopmentNTL-AVIATION-Aviation Laws and RegulationsNTL-FREIGHT-FREIGHTNTL-AVIATION-Aviation Planning and PolicyUS Transportation CollectionOver a period of many years, international air cargo demand has continued to increase more rapidly than international air passenger demand. Air cargo arrangements need to be as efficient and expeditious as possible, to meet user requirements for air transport of high value and time sensitive freight. Air carriers are still highly restricted, however, in their ability to supply the air cargo services that users are seeking. Widespread regulatory constraints imposed by national governments prevent services being provided by air carriers primarily on the basis of technological and commercial considerations. This document suggests practical ways and means to promote liberalization in the air cargo transport sector. Increased market access lies at the heart of air cargo liberalization but there is also a range of ancillary actions needed to improve the efficiency of international air cargo operations. This document identifies the conceptual issues which need to be addressed and the principles which should guide liberalization initiatives. It then focuses on two alternative broad implementation approaches that can be taken towards liberalization of air cargo operations: firstly, by way of amendment to existing bilateral agreements; and secondly, by way of introduction of a new multilateral agreement. 83p