Canada has concluded a number of new air transport agreements with Nigeria, Mali and Oman, which will allow Canadian airlines to better serve passengers travelling between Canada and these countries.

The new terms, which were reached under Canada’s Blue Sky policy, will make travel to and from Nigeria, Mali and Oman easier and more convenient.

Canada’s Blue Sky policy encourages long-term sustainable competition and the development of international air services and code-sharing agreements. The new rights under these agreements are available for use by airlines immediately.

"I am pleased to announce these three new air agreements with Nigeria, Mali and Oman as they will offer more options and flexibility to Canadian travellers. These agreements demonstrate the Government of Canada's commitment to supporting the Canadian air industry by helping it expand its access to international markets,” said Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport.

Under Canada’s Blue Sky policy, the Government of Canada has concluded new or expanded air transport agreements covering more than 85 countries. Over the past two years alone, Canada has announced new or expanded agreements with 30 countries.

"Our Government is working to provide Canadians businesses, including small-and-medium size enterprises, with the tools they need to expand and succeed abroad, and that includes expanded air agreements. When our businesses succeed abroad, it creates jobs and prosperity right here at home,” said Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade.

Canada has also concluded or offered an open agreement to countries collectively representing about 94 percent of Canada’s overall international two-way merchandise trade. Only 1.5 percent of Canada’s overall international passenger traffic is under agreements that impose practical constraints on airlines’ commercial plans.

Since 2006, the number of bilateral partners has gone from 73 to 116, a 59 percent increase overall.

Our analysis of Sabre Airport Data Intelligence demand statistics highlights the notable passenger flows between Canada and these three countries.

The largest is Nigeria with an annual bi-directional O&D demand of over 60,000 passengers last year, up 8.9 per cent on 2013, above the average annual growth of 7.0 per cent since 2005. Meanwhile, for the past three years more than 10,000 passengers a year have flown between Canada and Oman, and for the fifth time in six years, more than 5,500 people have flown between Canada and Mali.