Rousseff to sign "open skies" for 2014 World Cup

Bruno Dalcolmo, the head of international relations for Brazil’s national aviation agency, told Reuters that the deal would allow for an increase in flights every 12 months leading to full liberalisation by 2014, when Brazil stages the World Cup. The first year of the agreement is expected to bring a 20% increase in flight frequency.

“It’s the conclusion of a liberalisation process that’s been going on for the past three to five years,” Dalcolmo said. Over the next three years, the agreement will reduce ticket prices and open up more direct routes between smaller Brazilian and European cities. Rousseff will sign the deal in Brussels during her week-long visit to Europe this week.

The number of air passengers travelling between Brazil and Europe increased by 11% last year to 4.9 million, and the Latin American country is in a race against time to ensure its airport capacity is adequate ahead of the 2014 tournament. Dalcolmo added: “International flights do not put that much pressure on the airports. Domestic demand is the main driver behind what we are seeing these days in Brazilian airports.”

Source: sportbusiness.com