EU-ASEAN aviation deal: How will it benefit the two blocs?

The finalisation of the agreement’s terms comes during one of the worst years for the aviation industry in recent history — hit harder than most sectors by Covid and the subsequent collapse in international travel.

Hailed as a “landmark” agreement, question marks have been raised over what exactly is so groundbreaking about a recently agreed aviation pact between the EU (European Union) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc.

On paper, it appears impressive. When the agreement is eventually signed, which is expected in late 2021, airlines of the combined 37 states will be able to fly any number of nonstop flights between countries in both blocs.