The proposed E.U.-ASEAN comprehensive air transport agreement: What might it contain and can it work?

The European Union (E.U.) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have agreed to commence negotiations on a comprehensive air transport agreement between both regions. The agreement will be the first substantive accord between two major trading blocs providing possibly for an “open skies” or “open aviation area” arrangement with unlimited market access for both sides' airlines and other significant mutual benefits. This paper assesses the aero-political factors influencing the prospects of a comprehensive agreement between the two regions, given the sizeable presence of sixth freedom carriers in the E.U.-ASEAN market and the incomplete formation of the ASEAN Single Aviation Market.