ASEAN SINGLE AVIATION MARKET EXPECTED TO MATERIALISE SOON

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 (Bernama) -- The Association of South-East Asian
Nations' (Asean) single aviation market will become a reality in "just a matter
of time", enabling member countries to directly benefit from the growth in air
travel worldwide.

Singapore's Minister Mentor, Lee Kuan Yew, said every Asean member country
believed it could be a hub and was prepared to take on competition.

"It is just a matter of time before the single aviation market becomes a
reality," he said at a special session at the 65th International Air Transport
Association (Iata) annual general meeting here Monday.

The single aviation market is expected introduce an open-sky arrangement in
the region by 2015, thus fully liberalising air travel between member states.

It will also free up tourism, trade, investment and services flows.

Earlier, Lee was given the third Global Aviation Leadership Award for his
vision and understanding that aviation is the thriving force behind Singapore's
economy in the 20th century.

This has positioned Singapore as a central hub for Asia.

The award was established in 2002 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of
the Wright brothers' first flight.

It is given to outstanding individuals for exceptional contributions that
have helped shape air transport.

Two other recipients of the award, in 2003 and 2005, were Dr Assad Kotaite,
the president of the ICAO Council, and the then Minister of Civil Aviation
Administration of China, Yang Yuanyuan.
-- BERNAMA