ASEAN and the EU have recently successfully concluded negotiations on a comprehensive inter-regional air services agreement, which is the world's first inter-regional aviation agreement. The agreement is currently undergoing legal review and is awaiting its final signature and entry into force. The ASEAN Secretariat stated that the agreement will enhance the interoperability between ASEAN and the EU, promote personnel exchanges, cargo transportation and business exchanges, and promote regional economic recovery.

    According to the agreement, airlines of ASEAN and EU member states will have no restrictions on the number of direct flights between the two regions; for routes to or through a third country outside the region, airlines can fly 14 per week Passenger flights and cargo transportation flights are not restricted. In addition to the liberalization of aviation services, the agreement also provides for aviation safety, air traffic control, consumer protection, and environment and society. Both ASEAN and the EU believe that close communication and coordination should be maintained to reduce the impact of the epidemic on the international aviation industry.

    The ASEAN negotiator and Minister of Transport of Singapore, Yi Huaren, said that the air services agreement reached by the two regional organizations is a historic achievement. "The completion of the agreement negotiations demonstrates the determination of the member states of the two countries to work together to overcome the epidemic crisis and to resume cross-border travel. It will give companies more confidence and support economic recovery.

    Statistics show that the trade volume between the EU and ASEAN in 2020 is 226.2 billion U.S. dollars, and the EU has become the third largest source of investment and the third largest trading partner of ASEAN. Adina Valian, the European Commissioner for Transport Affairs, said that ASEAN is one of the most dynamic markets in the world. The agreement will provide a level playing field for the airlines of both sides and facilitate mutually beneficial cooperation between the EU and ASEAN.