Verdrag tussen het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden en de Republiek der Maldiven inzake luchtdiensten tussen en via hun onderscheiden grondgebieden

1

Each Contracting Party grants to the other Contracting Party except as otherwise specified in the Annex the following rights for the conduct of international air transportation by the designated airline of the other Contracting Party:

• a.

  the right to fly across its territory without landing;

• b.

  the right to make stops in its territory for non-traffic purposes; and

• c.

  while operating an agreed service on a specified route, the right to make stops in its territory for the purpose of taking up and discharging international traffic in passengers, cargo and mail, separately or in combination.

2

Nothing in paragraph 1 of this Article shall be deemed to grant the right for one Contracting Party's airline to participate in air transportation between points in the territory of the other Contracting Party.

1

Each designated airline may on any or all flights on the agreed services and at its option, change aircraft in the territory of the other Contracting Party or at any point along the specified routes, provided that:

• a.

  aircraft used beyond the point of change of aircraft shall be scheduled in coincidence with the inbound or outbound aircraft, as the case may be;

• b.

  in the case of change of aircraft in the territory of the other Contracting Party and when more than one aircraft is operated beyond the point of change, not more than one such aircraft may be of equal size and none may be larger than the aircraft used on the third and fourth freedom sector.

2

For the purpose of change of aircraft operations, a designated airline may use its own equipment and, subject to national regulations, leased equipment, and may operate under commercial arrangements with another airline.

3

A designated airline may use different or identical flight numbers for the sectors of its change of aircraft operations.

1

Each Contracting Party shall have the right by written notification through diplomatic channels to the other Contracting Party to designate an airline to operate air services on the routes specified in the Annex and to substitute another airline for an airline previously designated.

2

On receipt of such notification, each Contracting Party shall, without delay, grant to the airline so designated by the other Contracting Party the appropriate operating authorizations subject to the provisions of this Article.

3

Upon receipt of the operating authorization of paragraph 2 of this Article the designated airline may at any time begin to operate the agreed services, in part or in whole, provided that it complies with the provisions of this Agreement and that tariffs for such services have been established in accordance with the provisions of Article 6 of this Agreement.

4

Each Contracting Party shall have the right to refuse to grant the operating authorization referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article, or to grant this authorization under conditions that may be deemed necessary for the exercise by the designated airline of the rights specified in Article 2 of this Agreement, if it is not satisfied that substantial ownership and effective control of the airline are vested in the Contracting Party designating it or in its nationals or in both.

1

The aeronautical authorities of each Contracting Party shall have the right to withhold the authorizations referred to in Article 4 with respect to an airline designated by the other Contracting Party, to revoke or suspend such authorizations or impose conditions:

• a.

  in the event of failure by such airline to qualify before the aeronautical authorities of that Contracting Party under the laws and regulations normally and reasonably applied by these authorities in conformity with the Convention;

• b.

  in the event of failure by such airline to comply with the laws and regulations of that Contracting Party;

• c.

  in the event that they are not satisfied that substantial ownership and effective control of the airline are vested in the Contracting Party designating the airline or in its nationals; and

• d.

  in case the airline otherwise fails to operate in accordance with the conditions prescribed under this Agreement.

2

Unless immediate action is essential to prevent further infringement of the laws and regulations referred to above, the rights enumerated in paragraph 1 of this Article shall be exercised only after consultations with the aeronautical authorities of the other Contracting Party. Unless otherwise agreed by the Contracting Parties, such consultations shall begin within a period of sixty (60) days from the date of receipt of the request.

1

The tariffs to be charged by the designated airlines of the Contracting Parties for carriage between their territories shall be those approved by the aeronautical authorities of both Contracting Parties and shall be established at reasonable levels, due regard being paid to all relevant factors, including cost of operation, reasonable profit and the tariffs of other airlines for any part of the specified route.

2

Tariffs referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article shall, whenever possible, be agreed by the designated airlines through the use of the procedures of the International Air Transport Association for the fixation of tariffs. When this is not possible the tariffs shall be agreed between the designated airlines. In any case the tariffs shall be subject to the approval of the aeronautical authorities of both Contracting Parties.

3

All tariffs so agreed shall be submitted for approval of the aeronautical authorities of both Contracting Parties at least forty-five (45) days before the proposed date of their introduction, except where the said authorities agree to reduce this period in special cases.

4

Approval of tariffs may be given expressly; or, if neither of the aeronautical authorities has expressed disapproval within thirty (30) days of the date of submission, in accordance with paragraph 3 of this Article, the tariffs shall be considered as approved.

In the event of the period for submission being reduced, as provided for in paragraph 3 of this Article, the aeronautical authorities may agree that the period within which any disapproval must be notified shall be reduced accordingly.

5

If a tariff cannot be agreed in accordance with paragraph 2 of this Article, or if, during the period applicable in accordance with paragraph 4 of this Article, one aeronautical authority gives the other aeronautical authority notice of its disapproval of any tariff agreed in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 2 of this Article, the aeronautical authorities of the two Contracting Parties shall, endeavour to determine the tariff by mutual agreement.

6

If the aeronautical authorities cannot agree on a tariff submitted to them under paragraph 3 of this Article, or on the determination of a tariff under paragraph 5 of this Article, the dispute shall be settled in accordance with the provisions of Article 17 of this Agreement.

7

Tariffs established in accordance with the provisions of this Article shall remain in force until new tariffs have been established.

8

The designated airlines of both Contracting Parties may not charge tariffs different from those which have been approved in conformity with the provisions of this Article.

1

The designated airlines of both Contracting Parties shall be allowed:

• a.

  to establish in the territory of the other Contracting Party offices for the promotion of air transportation and sale of air tickets as well as other facilities required for the provision of air transportation;

• b.

  to sell air transport services in the territory of the other Contracting Party, either directly or through an agent, in the currency of that territory or in freely convertible currencies of other countries.

2

The designated airline of one Contracting Party shall be allowed to bring into and maintain in the territory of the other Contracting Party its managerial, commercial, operational and technical staff as it may require in connection with the provision of air transportation.

3

These staff requirements may, at the option of the designated airline, be satisfied by its own personnel or by using the services of any other organization, company or airline operating in the territory of the other Contracting Party, and authorized to perform such services in the territory of that Contracting Party.

4

The above activities shall be carried out in accordance with the laws and regulations of the other Contracting Party.

5

Both Contracting Parties shall, subject to the laws and regulations in force, dispense with the requirement of employment authorizations of visitor visas or other similar documents for personnel performing certain temporary services and duties except in special circumstances determined by the national authorities concerned. Where such authorizations, visas or documents are required, they shall be issued promptly so as not to delay the entry into the state of the personnel concerned.

1

There shall be fair and equal opportunity for the designated airlines of both Contracting Parties to participate in the international air transportation covered by this Agreement.

2

Each Contracting Party shall take all appropriate action within its jurisdiction to eliminate all forms of discrimination or unfair competitive practices adversely affecting the competitive position of the designated airline of the other Contracting Party.

1

The airline designated by each Contracting Party shall submit to the aeronautical authorities of the other Contracting Party for approval, sixty (60) days in advance, the timetable of its intended services, specifying the frequency, type of aircraft, configuration and number of seats to be made available to the public.

2

Requests for permission to operate additional flights can be submitted by the designated airline for approval directly to the aeronautical authority of the other Contracting Party.

1

Aircraft operating on international air services by the designated airline of either Contracting Party, as well as their regular equipment, spare parts, supplies of fuels and lubricants, aircraft stores (including food, beverages and tobacco) on board and all advertising and promotional material kept on board such aircraft shall be exempt from all customs duties, inspection fees and similar national or local duties and charges, on arrival in the territory of the Contracting Party, provided such equipment and supplies remain on board the aircraft up to such time as they are re-exported.

2

With regard to regular equipment, spare parts, supplies of fuels and lubricants and aircraft stores introduced into the territory of one Contracting Party by or on behalf of a designated airline of the other Contracting Party or taken on board the aircraft operated by such designated airline and intended solely for use on board aircraft while operating international services, no local and/or national duties and charges, including customs duties and inspection fees imposed in the territory of the first Contracting Party, shall be applied, even when these supplies are to be used on the parts of the journey performed over the territory of the Contracting Party in which they are taken on board.

The articles referred to above may be required to be kept under customs supervision and control.

The provisions of this paragraph cannot be interpreted in such a way that a Contracting Party can be made subject to the obligation to refund customs duties which have already been levied on the items referred to above.

3

Regular airborne equipment, spare parts, supplies of fuels and lubricants and aircraft stores retained on board the aircraft of either Contracting Party may be unloaded in the territory of the other Contracting Party only with the approval of the customs authorities of that Party, who may require that these materials be placed under their supervision up to such time as they are re-exported or otherwise disposed of in accordance with customs regulations.

1

Income and profits from the operation of aircraft in international traffic shall be taxable only in the State in which the place of effective management of the enterprise is situated.

2

Gains from the alienation of aircraft operated in international traffic shall be taxable only in the State in which the place of effective management of the enterprise is situated.

3

Capital represented by aircraft operated in international traffic and by movable property pertaining to the operation of such aircraft shall be taxable only in the State in which the place of effective management of the enterprise is situated.

4

The provisions of paragraph 1 of this Article shall also apply to income and profits from the participation in a pool, a joint business or an international operating agency.

1

The airlines of the Contracting Parties shall be free to transfer, on a non-discriminatory basis, to their home territory the excess of receipts over expenditure in the territory of the other Contracting Party. Included in such net transfer shall be revenues from sales, made directly or through agents, of air transport services, and ancillary or supplementary services, and normal commercial interest earned on such revenues while on deposit awaiting transfer.

2

The procedure for conversion and remittance shall be in accordance will the foreign exchange laws and regulations of the Contracting Party in the territory in which the revenue has been accrued.

1

The laws, regulations and procedures of either Contracting Party relating to the admission to or departure from its territory of aircraft engaged in international air services, or to the operation and navigation of such aircraft, shall be complied with by the designated airline of the other Contracting Party upon its entry into, and until and including its departure from, the said territory.

2

The laws, regulations and procedures of either Contracting Party relating to immigration, passports, or other approved travel documents, entry, clearance, customs and quarantine shall be complied with by or on behalf of crews, passengers, cargo and mail carried by aircraft of the designated airline of the other Contracting Party upon their entry into, and until and including their departure from, the territory of the said Contracting Party.

3

Passengers, baggage and cargo in direct transit across the territory of either Contracting Party and not leaving the area of the airport reserved for such purpose shall, except in respect of security measures against violence and air piracy, be subject to no more than a simplified control. Baggage and cargo in direct transit shall be exempt from customs duties and other similar taxes.

4

Fees and charges applied in the territory of either Contracting Party to the airline operations of the other Contracting Party for the use of airports and other aviation facilities in the territory of the first Party, shall not be higher than those applied to the operations of any other airline engaged in similar operations.

5

Neither of the Contracting Parties shall give preference to any other airline over the designated airline of the other Contracting Party in the application of its customs, immigration, quarantine, and similar regulations; or in the use of airports, airways and air traffic services and associated facilities under its control.

1

The Contracting Parties agree to provide aid to each other as necessary with a view to preventing unlawful seizure of aircraft and other unlawful acts against the safety of aircraft, airports and air navigation facilities and any other threat to aviation security.

2

Each Contracting Party agrees to observe non-discriminatory and generally applicable security provisions required by the other Contracting Party for entry into the territory of the other Contracting Party and to take adequate measures to inspect passengers and their carry-on items. Each Contracting Party shall also give sympathetic consideration to any request from the other Contracting Party for special security measures for its aircraft or passengers to meet a particular threat.

3

The Contracting Parties shall act consistently with applicable aviation security provisions established by the International Civil Aviation Organization. Should a Contracting Party depart from such provisions, the other Contracting Party may request consultations with that Contracting Party. Unless otherwise agreed by the Contracting Parties, such consultations shall begin within a period of sixty (60) days of the date of receipt of such a request. Failure to reach a satisfactory agreement could constitute grounds for the application of Article 17 of this Agreement.

4

The Contracting Parties shall act in conformity with the provisions of the Convention on Offenses and Certain Other Acts Committed on Board Aircraft, signed at Tokyo on September 14, 1963, the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft, signed at the Hague on December 16, 1970, and the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation, signed at Montreal on September 23, 1971, insofar as the Contracting Parties are both party to these Conventions.

5

When an incident, or threat of an incident, of unlawful seizure of aircraft or other unlawful acts against the safety of aircraft, airports and air navigation facilities occurs, the Contracting Parties shall assist each other by facilitating communications intended to terminate rapidly and safely such incident or threat thereof.

1

In a spirit of close cooperation the aeronautical authorities of the Contracting Parties shall consult each other from time to time with a view to ensuring the implementation of, and satisfactory compliance with, the provisions of this Agreement.

2

Either Contracting Party may request consultations, which shall begin within sixty (60) days of the date of the receipt of the request unless both Contracting Parties agree to an extension or reduction of this period. Such consultations may be conducted through discussion or by correspondance.

3

Any modification to the present Agreement agreed upon by the Contracting Parties, shall come into force on the date on which the Contracting Parties have informed each other in writing of the completion of their respective constitutional requirements.

4

Any amendment of the Annex to the present Agreement shall be agreed upon in writing between the aeronautical authorities and shall take effect on a date to be determined by the said authorities.

1

If any dispute arises between the Contracting Parties relating to the interpretation or application of the present Agreement, the Contracting Parties shall in the first place endeavour to settle it by negotiation between themselves.

2

If the Contracting Parties fail to reach a settlement by negotiation, the dispute may at the request of either Contracting Party be submitted for decision to a tribunal of three arbitrators, one to be named by each Contracting Party and the third to be agreed upon by the two arbitrators so chosen, provided that such third arbitrator shall not be a national of either Contracting Party. Each of the Contracting Parties shall designate an arbitrator within a period of sixty days from the date of receipt by either Contracting Party from the other Contracting Party of a diplomatic note requesting arbitration of the dispute and the third arbitrator shall be agreed upon within a further period of sixty days. If either of the Contracting Parties fails to designate its own arbitrator within the period of sixty (60) days or if the third arbitrator is not agreed upon within the period indicated, the President of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization may be requested by either Contracting Party to appoint an arbitrator or arbitrators.

3

The arbitration proceedings shall be heard in the Republic of Maldives or in the Kingdom of the Netherlands or in a country to be mutually agreed by both Contracting Parties.

4

Each Contracting Party shall use its best efforts consistent with its national laws and regulations to put into effect any decision or award of the arbitral tribunal.

5

The expenses of the arbitral tribunal, including the fees and expenses of the arbitrators, shall be shared equally by the Contracting Parties.

1

The provisions of the Convention shall be applied to this Agreement.

2

If a multilateral agreement concerning any matter covered by this Agreement, accepted by both Contracting Parties, enters into force, the relevant provisions of that agreement shall supersede the relevant provisions of the present Agreement.