Press Statement

The Governments of Antigua and Barbuda and Germany today signed an air transport agreement aimed at establishing the legal framework for air services between and beyond the two countries.

The agreement was signed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in St Johns by Sir Robin Yearwood, Minister of Public Utilities, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Energy, and Germany’s ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda, Her Excellency Ambassador Ute Konig.

Speaking during the signing ceremony Sir Robin noted that the agreement, the first between Germany and an OECS State, established a modern liberalized commercial regime for airlines of both countries to operate within, while also ensuring that the highest standards of international aviation safety and security were maintained.

He indicated that the agreement paved the way for the return of German airlines such as Condor to the Antigua and Barbuda market following the disruptions caused by the COVID 19 pandemic.

Ambassador Konig indicated her country’s continuing commitment to development of international aviation and noted the traditionally strong presence of German tourists in the Caribbean market.

This had been adversely affected by the COVID19 pandemic but there was already some growth in the market and there were expectations that notwithstanding the current problems facing the German and European economies that there would be a resurgence in travel to the Caribbean.

Negotiations for the air transport agreement were negotiated virtually by representatives of Antigua and Barbuda and Germany over the past three years.