Baghdad: Jordan and Iraq have entered into a new phase of collaboration in air transport following the signing of an updated air services agreement in Baghdad. The agreement was formalized by the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission (CARC) of Jordan and the Iraq Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA), represented by CARC Chairman Captain Haitham Misto and Iraqi Minister of Construction, Housing and Public Municipalities, and ICAA Head, Benkin Rikani.

According to Jordan News Agency, the newly signed agreement supersedes the previous version established on November 4, 1953. It aims to regulate joint air transport in line with the latest developments in the aviation sector and aligns with both countries' national air transport strategies.

The updated agreement facilitates easier market access for airlines from both countries, offering benefits related to tariffs and code-sharing operations while promoting fair competition. Additionally, it incorporates multiple policies from the International Civil Aviation Organization, ensuring compliance with global standards in air transport.

The agreement further strengthens bilateral relations between Jordan and Iraq, particularly in civil aviation and air transport. An executive memorandum accompanies the agreement, detailing operational arrangements for air services on designated routes. This includes adding new airline routes, such as Aqaba to any point in Iraq and Amman to Kirkuk, as well as increasing passenger flights between Amman and the cities of Baghdad and Erbil.

Moreover, the number of joint air cargo flights will see an increase to accommodate rising passenger numbers and the growth of air traffic. The two countries have also included regulatory provisions for code-sharing operations to enhance connectivity and service efficiency.