The agreement between the UK and Antigua, which updates the previous agreement of 1985, removes most of the remaining restrictions on air services between the two countries. It was signed in the House of Commons in London by UK Aviation Minister Jim Fitzpatrick and Antigua's Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Harold Lovell, and came into effect on November 14, 2007.

"I am very pleased to sign this new agreement, which will be good for passengers, for the aviation industry and for the development of the tourist industry in Antigua," Fitzpatrick commented.

"It confirms the already close links that exist between our two countries. And it represents another step forward in liberalising air services by removing out-dated restrictions on airlines' ability to fly people to the places they want to go," he added.

Meanwhile, talks between the government of the UK and the Aeronautical Authorities of Mauritius have led to the adoption of a new Bilateral Air Services Agreement, replacing the original agreement signed between the two countries in 1973.

According to the Memorandum of Understanding signed by both governments, designated airlines from each country will be able to operate a weekly frequency of up to 12 flights on the route between Mauritius and UK with any aircraft type.

Additionally, under the MoU, the designated airline can exercise fifth freedom traffic rights on its services at any intermediate point in Continental Africa and the Gulf. Additionally, they may exercise fifth freedom traffic rights on any two points in Europe, whether intermediate or beyond from among the following points: Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Geneva, Madrid, Paris and Zurich. The operation of all cargo services would also be unlimited for both Parties on the designated route.

The MoU with the UK means that Mauritius has concluded agreements with eight countries this year - its highest number since achieving independence - including agreements with Italy, Réunion and Spain, among others.