CIV AIR: DIPNOTE AUTHORIZING NEW ROUTE FOR COLOMBIAN AIRLINE

UNCLAS BOGOTA 003427 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAIR ETRD CO SUBJECT: CIV AIR: DIPNOTE AUTHORIZING NEW ROUTE FOR COLOMBIAN AIRLINE AIRES ¶1. (U) Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs delivered a diplomatic note dated November 10 stating that Colombia's civil aviation authority Aeronautica Civil (AeroCivil) has authorized four new weekly frequencies for Colombian airline Aires between Cali and Fort Lauderdale. A copy of the diplomatic note and accompanying letter from AeroCivil has been emailed to DOT and EEB/TRA/AN. ¶2. (U) BEGIN UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION OF DIPLOMATIC NOTE: The Ministry of Foreign Relations of Colombia -- Office of Territorial Sovereignty and Border Development -- sends its greetings to the Honorable Embassy of the United States of America, with the opportunity to pass along a communication from Aeronautica Civil dated 8 October 2009. We would appreciate it if the Embassy could send this communication to the Department of Transportation, Office of Negotiations, notifying Aeronautica Civil's authorization of service to the airline "AIRES." The Ministry of Foreign Relations, Office of Territorial Sovereignty and Border Development, takes this opportunity to reiterate to the United States Embassy the assurances of its highest consideration. END TEXT OF DIPLOMATIC NOTE. ¶3. (U) BEGIN TEXT OF UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION OF LETTER FROM AERONAUTICA CIVIL: October 9, 2009 Doctor Jaime Bermudez Minister of Foreign Relations RE: Designation of the Colombian airline AIRES Dear Mr. Minister: I most respectfully request that by means of a diplomatic note, that the Embassy of the Republic of Colombia in the United States of America communicate to the Department of Transportation of the United States, DOT (Office of Aviation Negotiations),that the Colombian Aeronautical Authority has authorized the company "AIRES" to provide the following service: Type: Regular international air transport services for passengers, mail, and cargo. Routes: Cali-Fort Lauderdale-Cali Frequencies: Four (4) weekly Right of Way: Up to the fourth liberty Aircraft: Boeing 737-700 or authorized aircraft under the Specifications of Operations of the company. I would also like to ask that the same diplomatic note indicate that this designation is authorized under Article 3 and Annex 2 of the Air Transportation Agreement of October 24, 1956, along with its amendments and annexes, particularly as addressed in the last amendment that went into effect via the exchange of notes on September 28 and November 26, 2007. Finally, I take this opportunity to reiterate the assurances of my highest and most distinguished consideration. Fernando Sanclemente Director General END TEXT. BROWNFIELD