Liberalization law finally approved, but effects will first be seen on cargo
jnun25 T he new law on civil aviation activity was passed in its final reading yesterday at the Legislative Assembly. The law, which facilitates the liberalization of the aviation sector and aims to end Air Macau’s monopoly, was passed with the unanimous support of all lawmakers in the plenary. But in reality, the effects of the new law are not expected to be immediate, as explained by the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Raymond Tam. The official noted that, before the law is put into force, complementary administrative regulations must be completed, and preparations made to launch public tenders for license attribution. Questioned by lawmaker José Pereira Coutinho, Tam admitted that the first effects of the law will be seen mainly in cargo freight rather than passenger flights. He added that the increase in licenses to operate from Macau International Airport (MIA) needs to be done “gradually to ensure safety in the aviation sector.” Nonetheless, Tam said the law introd...