en.Wedoany.com Reported - Ports and Airports Minister Tomé Franca signed a memorandum of understanding on the South American Aviation Liberalization Agreement (Alas) on Tuesday (14th) in Asunción alongside officials from Argentina, Chile, and Paraguay. The document establishes a working group tasked with developing a plan for the gradual implementation of measures to expand regional air connectivity, while respecting the laws and internal procedures of each country.

Key topics for the working group include harmonizing standards, mutual recognition of certificates and licenses, facilitating air transport, and protecting passenger rights. On the Asunción agenda, Brazil and Paraguay will also sign a bilateral memorandum on air services and hold meetings between delegations and civil aviation representatives.

According to the Ministry of Ports and Airports, this initiative aims to strengthen air transport integration in South America, expand cooperation among regional countries, and create conditions for enhancing connectivity and international flight offerings. The memorandum targets the establishment of a unified aviation market in South America, drawing on the European Single Sky model, with plans to finalize common regulatory measures within the next 12 months.

Under current Brazilian law, domestic flights are restricted to companies established in Brazil, a limitation that constrains industry growth. The new agreement seeks to gradually ease such restrictions, allowing foreign airlines to operate domestic routes under reciprocal conditions. This signing marks the transition of South American aviation integration from the proposal stage to formal intergovernmental cooperation.