PROJET DE LOI Projet de loi portant approbation de l’Accord sous forme d’échange de lettres des 4 et 10 mars 2021 entre le Gouvernement du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg et le Gouvernement de la région administrative spéciale de Hong Kong de la république populaire de Chine amendant l’Accord relatif aux services aériens, signé à Hong Kong, le 3 juin 1998 I. II. III. IV. Texte du projet de loi Exposé des motifs Fiche d’évaluation d’impact Fiche financière p. 2 p. 2 p. 6 p. 10 I. Texte du projet de loi Projet de loi portant approbation de l’Accord sous forme d’échange de lettres des 4 et 10 mars 2021 entre le Gouvernement du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg et le Gouvernement de la région administrative spéciale de Hong Kong de la république populaire de Chine amendant l’Accord relatif aux services aériens, signé à Hong Kong, le 3 juin 1998 Art. unique. Est approuvé l’Accord sous forme d’échange de lettres des 4 et 10 mars 2021 entre le Gouvernement du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg et le Gouvernement de la région administrative spéciale de Hong Kong de la république populaire de Chine amendant l’Accord relatif aux services aériens, signé à Hong Kong, le 3 juin 1998. Mandons et ordonnons que la présente loi soit insérée au Journal officiel du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg pour être exécutée et observée par tous ceux que la chose concerne. II. Exposé des motifs L’objet du projet de loi consiste à approuver l’échange de lettres entre le Gouvernement de Hong Kong et le Gouvernement du Luxembourg portant amendement de l’accord aérien bilatéral signé à Hong Kong le 3 juin 1998. Cet accord est la confirmation de la politique poursuivie par le Gouvernement en matière de transports aériens ayant pour objectif d’assurer les perspectives d’avenir tant des compagnies aériennes nationales en leur procurant un maximum de droits de trafic, que de l’aéroport de Luxembourg comme plate-forme internationale pour le trafic de passagers et de fret. CONSIDERATIONS GENERALES L’existence d’accords aériens bilatéraux constitue, aujourd’hui comme par le passé, un préalable à l’ouverture de liaisons aériennes régulières, soit par un transporteur aérien luxembourgeois, soit par un transporteur aérien de l’autre partie contractante. Ces accords constituent la base juridique indispensable pour proposer des services aériens réguliers. Ils permettent en effet aux autorités aéronautiques respectives de réagir rapidement si un ou des transporteurs aériens de part et d’autre soumettent une demande d’exploitation de services aériens. 2 Dans le cadre de la libéralisation européenne du transport aérien, un rôle de plus en plus important revient à l’Union européenne, considérée comme un marché aérien unique. Ainsi, l’accord aérien concerné par le présent projet de loi contient également des clauses portant sur la désignation, la révocation et le contrôle, telles qu’elles sont exigées par le droit communautaire. L’accord qui fait l’objet du présent projet de loi a été rédigé, en partie, sur base du modèle d’accord de l’Organisation de l’Aviation Civile Internationale (ci-après « OACI ») et en tenant compte des clauses types de l’Union européenne, conformément au Règlement (CE) 847/2004 du Parlement et du Conseil du 29 avril 2004 concernant la négociation et la mise en œuvre d’accords relatifs à des services aériens entre les Etats membres et les pays tiers. Après ratification, l’accord sera enregistré auprès de l’OACI. L’Etat avec lequel cet accord a été conclu est membre de l’Organisation de l’Aviation Civile Internationale. Quant au fond, l’accord est similaire, dans une large mesure, à d’autres accords aériens signé par le Grand-Duché de Luxembourg dans le passé. Plus précisément, l’accord couvre une série de dispositions traditionnellement jugées comme piliers d’un accord sur les services aériens, y compris les dispositions concernant les tarifs, les activités commerciales ou encore les dispositions relatives à la sécurité et à la sûreté de l’aviation. Mis à part ces dispositions issues du modèle d’accord de l’OACI et largement acceptées par la communauté internationale de l’aviation civile, l’accord faisant l’objet du présent projet de loi contient également d’autres articles, dont les caractéristiques éditoriales diffèrent d’un accord à l’autre afin de mieux répondre aux besoins nationaux particuliers exprimés par les partenaires respectifs. Les principaux éléments contenus dans l’accord sont les suivants : – – – les définitions terminologiques arrêtées par la Convention de Chicago, signée à Chicago le 7 décembre 1944 ; l’indication des droits octroyés pour l’exploitation des services, c’est-à-dire, le survol, l’escale technique, l’escale commerciale et les libertés de l’air ; l’inclusion de la clause dite de désignation européenne garantissant le principe selon lequel un transporteur aérien de l’Union européenne (ci-après « UE ») établi dans un Etat membre de l’UE a droit à un accès non discriminatoire au marché créé par les accords relatifs aux services aériens conclus entre un Etat membre autre que celui de son établissement principal et les pays tiers. Ainsi, ce principe issu des arrêts dits « Ciel ouvert » rendus par la Cour de Justice de l’Union européenne, permet à un transporteur aérien d’être désigné par un Etat 3 – – – – – – – – – – – membre alors même que cet Etat membre n’est pas celui qui octroie sa licence d’exploitation ; la stipulation permettant la limitation voire le retrait d’une autorisation dans le cas où le transporteur ne se conforme pas aux termes de l’accord, ni aux lois et règlements de la partie contractante ayant délivré l’autorisation ; l’exonération, sous certaines conditions, de tous droits de douane, frais d’inspection et autres droits et taxes similaires des avions utilisés, y compris les équipements normaux, le carburant, les pièces de rechange, les provisions de bord etc. ; les principes déterminant la capacité mise en œuvre (donc la charge payante disponible) et son adaptation à la demande de trafic ; la procédure d’établissement des tarifs ; l’application des lois et règlements internes ; l’engagement des parties contractantes de faire respecter les Conventions internationales existantes en matière de sûreté de l’aviation civile ; le transfert des excédents de recettes réalisés sur le territoire de l’autre partie contractante; le principe de la consultation périodique entre les autorités aéronautiques ; la procédure de règlement des différends ; l’engagement d’adapter l’accord à toute convention multilatérale ultérieure, liant les parties en matière aéronautique ; l’égalité des chances des opérateurs aériens désignées ainsi que la sauvegarde de leurs intérêts mutuels. L’accord sous objet prévoie en outre des dispositions relatives aux possibilités d’amendement ou de dénonciation à la demande d’une partie contractante, la production de statistiques sur le trafic aérien, la non-discrimination dans l’application des taxes aéroportuaires et la procédure d’entrée en vigueur. En outre, l’accord comporte une annexe qui définit le tableau des routes classiques, entre le Luxembourg et des destinations situées sur le territoire de la Chine, avec possibilité d’escales intermédiaires et/ou d’escales au-delà dans des pays tiers. Les points d’escale seront fixés ultérieurement d’un commun accord par les autorités aéronautiques concernées en fonction des besoins formulés par la ou les compagnies aériennes intéressées. Il convient également de soulever que l’accord a fait l’objet d’une notification auprès de la Commission européenne à travers une notification dite d’ouverture des négociations (« Notification of the opening of negotiations ») et une notification dite de clôture/résultat des négociations (« Notification of the outcome of negotiations »). 4 La notification de l’ouverture et de clôture des négociations avec un Etat tiers est entièrement digitalisée et elle s’effectue à travers une plateforme sécurisée de la Commission européenne. La Commission européenne est notifiée par le biais d’un formulaire – le « Notification of the opening of negotiations ». Suite au paraphage de l’accord aérien par les autorités compétentes, la Direction de l’Aviation Civile informe la Commission européenne de la clôture et des résultats des négociations via la « Notification of the outcome of negotiations » et enregistre une version scannée de l’accord paraphé sur ladite plateforme afin que la Commission européenne puisse exercer son droit de regard. L’ouverture des pourparlers a été notifiée sur la plateforme CIRCABC le 6 octobre 2021 et le résultat des négociations a été notifié le même jour. CONSIDERATIONS PARTICULIERES L’accord sous forme d’échange de lettres des 4 et 10 mars 2021 entre le Gouvernement du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg et le Gouvernement de la région administrative spéciale de Hong Kong de la république populaire de Chine amendant l’Accord relatif aux services aériens, signé à Hong Kong, le 3 juin 1998, a pour but de rendre l’accord bilatéral entre les deux pays conforme au droit communautaire. Ainsi, l’accord sous forme d’échange de lettres vient remplacer les articles 4 et 5 de l’Accord signé en 1998 par des nouveaux articles contenant les clauses dites de désignation européenne. Hong Kong était la destination du tout premier vol de l’opérateur national opéré en 1970 et reste depuis une des plus importantes destinations commerciales de l’entreprise. Ces dernières années les exportations depuis Hong Kong, avant tout vers les USA et l’Europe, ont augmenté de manière significative. Il s’agit donc d’une destination très importante vers laquelle celui-ci effectue des vols hebdomadaires réguliers. La mise en conformité de l’accord aérien présente donc une étape importante qui permettra de maintenir un cadre règlementaire propice aux entreprises et contribuera au renforcement des liens économiques et commerciaux entre le Luxembourg et la région administrative spéciale de Hong Kong de la république populaire de Chine. 5 III. Fiche d’évaluation d’impact Mesures législatives et réglementaires Intitulé du projet: Projet de loi portant approbation de l’Accord sous forme d’échange de lettres des 4 et 10 mars 2021 entre le Gouvernement du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg et le Gouvernement de la région administrative spéciale de Hong Kong de la république populaire de Chine amendant l’Accord relatif aux services aériens, signé à Hong Kong, le 3 juin 1998 Auteurs: Pit Bichel et Luc Schons Tél. : 247 74912 et 247 83690 Courriel: pit.bichel@av.etat.lu et luc.schons@mae.etat.lu Objectif(
- s)du projet: Le présent projet de loi se propose d’approuver l’échange de lettres entre le Gouvernement de Hong Kong et le Gouvernement du Luxembourg portant amendement de l’accord aérien bilatéral signé à Hong Kong le 3 juin 1998. Autre(
- s)Ministère(s)/Organisme(s)/Commune(
- s)impliqué(e)(s): Ministère du Ministère de la Mobilité et des Travaux publics, Ministère des Affaires étrangères et européennes. Date: 03 février 2023 6 Mieux légiférer 1. Partie(
- s)prenante(
- s)(organismes divers, citoyens,…) consultée(s): Oui: Si oui, laquelle/lesquelles: Cargolux Remarques/Observations: 2. Destinataires du projet: - Entreprises/Professions libérales: - Citoyens: - Administrations: Non: Oui: Oui: Oui: Non: Non: Non: 3. Le principe « Think small first » est-il respecté? (c.à.d. des exemptions ou dérogations sont-elles prévues Suivant la taille de l’entreprise et/ou son secteur d’activité?) Remarques/Observations: ………………………………………………….. Oui: Non: 4. Le projet est-il lisible et compréhensible pour le destinataire? Existe-il un texte coordonné ou un guide pratique, mis à jour et publié d’une façon régulière? Remarques/Observations: Oui: Non: Oui: Non: Oui: Non: 5. Le projet a-t-il saisi l’opportunité pour supprimer ou simplifier des régimes d’autorisation et de déclaration existants, ou pour améliorer la qualité des procédures? Remarques/Observations : ……………………………………… 6. Le projet contient-il une charge administrative3 pour le(
- s)destinataire(s)? (un coût imposé pour satisfaire à une obligation d’information émanant du projet?) Oui: Non: Si oui, quel est le coût administratif approximatif total? (nombre de destinataires x coût administratif4 par destinataire) …………………. 7.
- a)Le projet prend-il recours à un échange de données inter- 1 2 3 4 □ 1 N.a.:2 Double-click sur la case pour ouvrir la fenêtre permettant de l’activer N.a.: non applicable Il s’agit d’obligations et de formalités administratives imposées aux entreprises et aux citoyens, liées à l’exécution, l’application ou la mise en œuvre d’une loi, d’un règlement grand-ducal, d’une application administrative, d’un règlement ministériel, d’une circulaire, d’une directive, d’un règlement UE ou d’un accord international prévoyant un droit, une interdiction ou une obligation. Coût auquel un destinataire est confronté lorsqu’il répond à une obligation d’information inscrite dans une loi ou un texte d’application de celle-ci (exemple: taxe, coût de salaire, perte de temps ou de congé, coût de déplacement physique, achat de matériel, etc…). 7 administratif (national ou international) plutôt que de demander l’information au destinataire? Oui: Si oui, de quelle(
- s)donnée(
- s)et/ou administration(
- s)s’agit-il? Non: □
- b)Le projet en question contient-il des dispositions spécifiques concernant la protection des personnes à l’égard du traitement des données à caractère personnel? Oui: Non: Si oui, de quelle(
- s)donnée(
- s)et/ou administration(
- s)s’agit-il? …………………. 8. Le projet prévoit-il: - une autorisation tacite en cas de non réponse de l’administration? - des délais de réponse à respecter par l’administration? - le principe que l’administration ne pourra demander des informations supplémentaires qu’une seule fois? □ N.a.: Non: Non: N.a.: N.a.: Non: N.a.: Y a-t-il une possibilité de regroupement de formalités et/ou de procédures (p. ex. prévues le cas échant par un autre texte)? Oui: Si oui, laquelle: Non: N.a.: 10. En cas de transposition de directives européennes, le principe « la directive, rien que la directive » est-il respecté? Oui: Si non, pourquoi? …………………………………………….................................. Non: N.a.: 9. 11. Le projet contribue-t-il en général à une: a. simplification administrative, et/ou à une b. amélioration de qualité règlementaire? Oui: Oui: N.a.: Oui: □ Oui: Oui: Non: Non: Oui: Non: Remarques/Observations: 12. Des heures d’ouverture de guichet, favorables et adaptées aux besoins du/des destinataire(s), seront-elles introduites? Remarques/Observations: N.a.: 13. Y a-t-il une nécessité d’adapter un système informatique auprès de l’État (e-Government ou application back-office)? Oui: Non: Si oui, quel est le délai pour disposer du nouveau système: …………………. 14. Y a-t-il un besoin en formation du personnel de l’administration concernée? Oui: Non: N.a.: 8 Si oui, lequel? …………………………………………………………………… Remarques/Observations: ……………………………………………………….. Egalité des chances 15. Le projet est-il: - principalement centré sur l'égalité des femmes et des hommes? Oui: - positif en matière d'égalité des femmes et des hommes? Oui: Si oui, expliquez de quelle manière: ………………………………………………….. - neutre en matière d'égalité des femmes et des hommes? Oui: Si oui, expliquez pourquoi: n.a. - négatif en matière d'égalité des femmes et des hommes? Oui: Si oui, expliquez de quelle manière: ………………………………………………… 16. Y a-t-il un impact financier différent sur les femmes et les hommes ? Oui: Si oui, expliquez de quelle manière: …………………………………………………… □ Non: s Non: Non: Non: Non: N.a.: Directive « services » 17. Le projet introduit-il une exigence relative à la liberté d’établissement soumise à évaluation5 ? Oui: Non: N.a.: 18. Le projet introduit-il une exigence relative à la libre prestation de services transfrontaliers6 ? Oui: Non: □ N.a.: 5 6 Article 15, paragraphe 2, de la directive « services » (cf. Note explicative p. 10-11) Article 16, paragraphe 1, troisième alinéa et paragraphe 3, première phrase de la directive « services » (cf. Note explicative, p.10-11) 9 IV. Fiche financière concernant les coûts engendrés par le projet de loi (article 79 de la loi modifiée du 8 juin 1999 sur le budget, la comptabilité et la trésorerie de l’État). Ce projet de loi n’a pas d’impact financier sur le budget de l’État. 10 AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA CONCERNING AIR SERVICES 2 The Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the Government of the Hong Kong Spécial Administrative Région of the People's Republic of China (« the Hong Kong Spécial Administrative Région ») (hereinafter referred to as the « Contracting Parties ») , Desiring to conclude an Agreement for the purpose of providing the framework for air services between the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the Hong Kong Spécial Administrative Région, Hâve agreed as follows: ARTICLE 1 Définitions For the purpose of this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires: (
- a)the term « aeronautical authorities » means in the case of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Minister responsible for Civil Aviation, and in the case of the Hong Kong Spécial Administrative Région, the Director of Civil Aviation, or, in both cases, any person or body authorised to perform any fonctions at présent exercisable by the above-mentioned authorities or similar functions; (
- b)the term « designated airline » means an airline which has been designated and authorised in accordance with Article 4 of this Agreement; (
- c)the term « area » in relation to the Hong Kong Spécial Administrative Région includes Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories and in relation to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg has the meaning assigned to « territory » in Article 2 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, opened for signature at Chicago on 7 December 1944; (
- d)the terms « air services », « international air services », « airline » and « stop for non-traffic purposes » hâve the meanings respectively assigned to them in Article 96 of the said Convention; 3 (
- e)the term « this Agreement » includes the Annex hereto and any amendments to it or to this Agreement. ARTICLE 2 Provisions of the Chicago Convention Applicable to International Services Air In implementing this Agreement, the Contracting Parties shall act in conformity with the provisions of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, opened for signature at Chicago on 7 December 1944, including the Annexes and any amendments to the Convention or to its Annexes which apply to both Contracting Parties, insofar as these provisions are applicable to international air services. ARTICLE 3 Crant of Rights
(1)Each Contracting Party grants to the other Contracting Party the following rights in respect of its international air services: (
- a)the right to fly across its area without landing; (
- b)the right to make stops in its area for non-traffic purposes.
(2)Each Contracting Party grants to the other Contracting Party the rights hereinafter specified in this Agreement for the purpose of operating international air services on the routes specified in the appropriate Section of the Annex to this Agreement. Such services and routes are hereinafter called « the agreed services » and « the specified routes » respectively . While operating an agreed service on a specified route the designated airlines of each Contracting Party shall enjoy in addition to the rights specified in paragraph
(1)of this Article the right to make stops in the 4 area of the other Contracting Party at points determined for that route in accordance with the Annex to this Agreement for the purpose of taking on board and discharging passengers and cargo, including mail, separately or in combination.
(3)Nothing in paragraph
(2)of this Article shall be deemed to confer on the designated airlines of one Contracting Party the right to take on board, at one point in the area of the other Contracting Party, passengers and cargo, including mail, carried for hire or reward and destined for another point in the area of the other Contracting Party.
(4)If because of armed conflict, political disturbances or developments , or spécial and unusual circumstances , a designated airline of one Contracting Party is unable to operate a service on its normal routeing, the other Contracting Party shall use its best efforts to facilitate the continued operation of such service through appropriate temporary rearrangements of routes. ARTICLE .4 Désignation of and Authorisation of Airlines
(1)Each Contracting Party shall hâve the right to designate in writing to the other Contracting Party one or more airlines for the purpose of operating the agreed services on the specified routes and to withdraw or alter such désignations.
(2)On receipt of such a désignation the other Contracting Party shall, subject to the provisions of paragraphs
(3)and
(4)of this Article, without delay grant to the airline or airlines designated the appropriate operating authorisations .
(3)(a) The Government of the Hong Kong Spécial Administrative Région shall hâve the right to refuse to grant the operating authorisations referred to in paragraph
(2)of this Article, or to impose such conditions as it may deem necessary on the exercise by a designated airline of the 5 rights specified in Article 3
(2)of this Agreement, in any case where it is not satisfied that substantial ownership and effective control of that airline are vested in the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg or its nationals. (b) The Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg shall hâve the right to refuse to grant the operating authorisations referred to in paragraph
(2)of this Article, or to impose such conditions as it may deem necessary on the exercise by a designated airline of the rights specified in Article 3
(2)of this Agreement, in any case where it is not satisfied that that airline is incorporated and has its principal place of business in the Hong Kong Spécial Administrative Région.
(4)The aeronautical authorities of one Contracting Party may require an airline designated by the other Contracting Party to satisfy them that it is qualified to fulfil the conditions prescribed under the laws and régulations normally and reasonably applied to the operation of international air services by such authorities.
(5)When an airline has been so designated and authorised it may begin to operate the agreed services, provided that the airline compiles with the applicable provisions of this Agreement. ARTICLE 5 Révocation or Suspension of Operating Authorisation
(1)Each Contracting Party shall hâve the right to revoke or suspend an operating authorisation for the exercise of the rights specified in Article 3
(2)of this Agreement by an airline designated by the other Contracting Party, or to impose such conditions as it may deem necessary on the exercise of those rights: (
- a)(
- i)in the case of the Government of the Hong Kong Spécial Administrative Région, in any case where it is not satisfied that substantial ownership and effective control of that airline are vested in the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg or its nationals; 6 (
- ii)in the case of the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, in any case where it is not satisfied that that airline is incorporated and has its principal place of business in the Hong Kong Spécial Administrative Région; or (
- b)in the case of failure by that airline to comply with the laws or régulations of the Contracting Party granting those rights; or (
- c)if that airline otherwise fails to operate in accordance with the conditions prescribed under this Agreement .
(2)Unless immédiate révocation or suspension of the operating authorisation mentioned in paragraph
(1)of this Article or imposition of the conditions therein is essential to prevent further infringements of laws or régulations, such right shall be exercised only after consultation with the other Contracting Party. ARTICLE 6 Principles Governinq Operation of Agreed Services
(1)There shall be fair and equal opportunity for the designated airlines of the Contracting Parties to operate the agreed services on the specified routes.
(2)In operating the agreed services the designated airlines of each Contracting Party shall take into account the interests of the designated airlines of the other Contracting Party so as not to affect unduly the services which the latter provide on the whole or part of the same routes.
(3)The agreed services provided by the designated airlines of the Contracting Parties shall bear a close relationship to the requirements of the public for transportation on the specified routes and shall hâve as their primary objective the provision at a reasonable load factor of capacity adéquate to meet the current and reasonably anticipated requirements for the carriage of passengers and cargo, including mail, originating in or destined for the area 7 of the Contracting Party which has designated the airline. Provision for the carriage of passengers and cargo, including mail, both taken on board and discharged at points on the specified routes other than points in the area of the Contracting Party which designated the airline shall be made in accordance with the general principles that capacity shall be related to: (a) traffic requirements to and from the area of the Contracting Party which has designated the airline; (b) traffic requirements of the région through which the agreed service passes, taking account of other air services established by airlines of the States comprising that région; and (c) the requirements of through airline operation.
(4)The capacity to be provided on the specified routes shall be such as is from time to time jointly determined by the Contracting Parties. AETIÇLE 7 T.ariffs
(1)The term « tariff » means one or more of the following: (
- a)the fare charged by an airline for the carriage of passengers and their baggage on scheduled air services and the charges and conditions for services ancillary to such carriage; (
- b)the rate charged by an airline for the carriage of cargo (excluding mail) on scheduled air services; (
- c)the conditions governing the availability or applicability of any such fare or rate including any benefit attaching to it; and 8 (
- d)the rate of commission paid by an airline to an agent in respect of tickets sold or air waybills completed by that agent for carriage on scheduled air services.
(2)The tariffs to be charged by the designated airlines of the Contracting Parties for carriage between the Hong Kong Spécial Administrative Région and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg shall be those approved by the aeronautical authorities of both Contracting Parties and shall be established at reasonable levels, due regard being had to ail relevant factors, including the cost of operating the agreed services, the interests of users, reasonable profit and the tariffs of other airlines operating over the whole or part of the same route.
(3)The tariffs referred to in paragraph
(2)of this Article may be agreed by the designated airlines of the Contracting Parties seeking approval of the tariffs, which may consult other airlines operating over the whole or part of the same route, before proposing such tariffs. However, a designated airline shall not be precluded from proposing, nor the aeronautical authorities of the Contracting Parties from approving, any tariff, if that airline shall hâve failed to obtain the agreement of the other designated airlines to such tariff, or because no other designated airline is operating on the same route. References in this and the preceding paragraph to « the same route » are to the route operated, not the specified route.
(4)Any proposed tariff for carriage between the Hong Kong Spécial Administrative Région and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg shall be filed with the aeronautical authorities of the Contracting Parties by the designated airline or airlines seeking its approval in such form as the aeronautical authorities may separately require to disclose the particulars referred to in paragraph
(1)of this Article. It shall be filed not less than 60 days (or such shorter period as the aeronautical authorities of the Contracting Parties may agréé) before the proposed effective date. The proposed tariff shall be treated as having been filed with the aeronautical authorities of a Contracting Party on the date on which it is received by those aeronautical authorities. 9
(5)Any proposed tariff may be approved by the aeronautical authorities of a Contracting Party at any time and, provided it has been fïled in accordance with paragraph
(4)of this Article, shall be deemed to hâve been approved by the aeronautical authorities of that Contracting Party unless, within 30 day (or such shorter period as the aeronautical authorities of the Contracting Parties may agréé) after the date of filing, the aeronautical authorities of one Contracting Party hâve served on the aeronautical authorities of the other Contracting Party written notice of disapproval of the proposed tariff.
(6)If a notice of disapproval is given in accordance with the provisions of paragraph
(5)of this Article, the aeronautical authorities of the Contracting Parties may jointly détermine the tariff. For this purpose, one Contracting Party may, within 30 days of the service of the notice of disapproval, request consultations between the aeronautical authorities of the Contracting Parties which shall be held within 30 days from the date the other Contracting Party receives such request in writing.
(7)If a tariff has been disapproved by the aeronautical authorities of a Contracting Party in accordance with paragraph
(5)of this Article, and if the aeronautical authorities of the Contracting Parties hâve been unable jointly to détermine the tariff in accordance with paragraph
(6)of this Article, the dispute may be settled in accordance with the provisions of Article 15 of this Agreement .
(8)Subject to paragraph
(9)of this Article, a tariff established in accordance with the provisions of this Article shall remain valid until a replacement tariff has been established.
(9)Except with the agreement of the aeronautical authorities of both Contracting Parties, and for such period as they may agréé, the validity of a tariff shall not be prolonged by virtue of paragraph
(8)of this Article: (
- a)where a tariff has a terminal date, for more than 12 months after that date; 10 (
- b)where a tariff has no terminal date, for more than 12 months after the date on which a replacement tariff is filed with the aeronautical authorities of the Contracting Parties by a designated airline of a Contracting Party.
(10)(
- a)The tarif fs to be charged by the designated airlines of the Hong Kong Spécial Administrative Région for carriage between the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and another State shall be subject to approval by the aeronautical authorities of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and, where appropriate, of the other State. The tariffs to be charged by the designated airlines of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg for carriage between the Hong Kong Spécial Administrative Région and a State other than the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg shall be subject to approval by the aeronautical authorities of the Hong Kong Spécial Administrative Région and, where appropriate, of the other State. (
- b)Any proposed tariff for such carriage shall be filed by the designated airline of one Contracting Party seeking approval of such tariff with the aeronautical authorities of the other Contracting Party. It shall be filed in such form as those aeronautical authorities may require to disclose the particulars referred to in paragraph
(1)of this Article and not less than 90 days (or such shorter period as they may décidé) prior to the proposed effective date. The proposed tariff shall be treated as having been filed on the date on which it is received by those aeronautical authorities. (
- c)Such tariff may be approved at any time by the aeronautical authorities of the Contracting Party with whom it has been filed and shall be deemed to hâve been approved by them unless, within 30 days after the date of filing, they hâve served on the designated airline seeking approval of such tariff written notice of disapproval. (
- d)the aeronautical authorities of a Contracting Party may withdraw approval of any such tariff approved or deemed to be approved by them on giving 90 days' notice to the designated airline charging such tariff. That airline shall cease to charge such tariff at the end of that period. 11
(11)Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs
(5)and
(10)(c) of this Article, the aeronautical authorities of a Contracting Party shall not disapprove any proposed tariff filed with them by a designated airline which corresponds (e.g. in price level, conditions and date of expiry but not necessarily the routeing being used) to the tariff charged by an airline of that Contracting Party for comparable services between the same points or is more restrictive or higher than that tariff . ARTICLE 8 Castoms Put les
(1)Aircraft operated in international air services by the designated airlines of one Contracting Party, their regular equipment, fuel, lubricants, consumable technical supplies, spare parts including engines, and aircraft stores (including but not limited to such items as food, beverages and tobacco) which are on board such aircraft shall be exempted by the other Contracting Party on the basis of reciprocity from ail customs duties, excise taxes and similar fees and charges not based on the cost of services provided on arrivai, provided such regular equipment and such other items remain on board the aircraft.
(2)Regular equipment, fuel, lubricants, consumable technical supplies, spare parts including engines, aircraft stores (including but not limited to such items as food, beverages and tobacco) , printed ticket stock, air waybills, any printed material which bears insignia of a designated airline of one Contracting Party and usual publicity material distributed whithout charge by that designated airline, introduced into the area of the other Contracting Party by or on behalf of that designated airline or taken on board the aircraft operated by that designated airline, shall be exempted by the other Contracting Party on the basis of reciprocity from ail customs duties, excise taxes and similar fess and charges not based on the cost of services provided on arrivai, even when such regular equipment and such other items are to be used on any part of a journey performed over the area of the other Contracting Party. 12
(3)The regular equipment and the other items referred to in paragraphs
(1)and
(2)of this Article may be required to be kept under the supervision or control of the customs authorities of the other Contracting Party.
(4)The regular equipment and the other items referred to in paragraph
(1)of this Article may be unloaded in the area of the other Contracting Party with the approval of the customs authorities of that other Contracting Party. In these circumstances , such regular equipment and such items shall enjoy, on the basis of reciprocity, the exemptions provided for by paragraph
(1)of this Article until they are re-exported or otherwise disposed of in accordance with customs régulations. The customs authorities of that other Contracting Party may however require that such regular equipment and such items be placed under their supervision up to such time.
(5)The exemptions provided for by this Article shall also be available in situations where a designated airline of one Contracting Party has entered into arrangements with another airline or airlines for the loan or transfer in the area of the other Contracting Party of the regular equipment and the other items referred to in paragraphs
(1)and
(2)of this Article, provided that that other airline or airlines similarly enjoy such exemptions from that other Contracting Party.
(6)Baggage and cargo in direct transit across the area of a Contracting Party shall be exempt from customs duties, excise taxes and similar fees and charges not based on the cost of services provided on arrivai. ARTICLE 9 Aviation Security
(1)Each Contracting Party reaffirms that its obligation to the other Contracting Party to protect the security of civil aviation against unlawful interférence forms an intégral part of this Agreement. Each Contracting Party shall in particular act in 13 conformity with the aviation security provisions of the Convention on Offences and Certain Other Acts Committed on Board Aircraft, signed at Tokyo on 14 September 1963, the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft, signed at The Hague on 16 December 1970 and the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation, signed at Montreal on 23 September 1971.
(2)Each Contracting Party shall be provided at its request with ail necessary assistance by the other Contracting Party to prevent acts of unlawful seizure of civil aircraft and other unlawful acts against the safety of such aircraft, their passengers and crew, airports and air navigation facilities, and any other threat to the security of civil aviation.
(3)The Contracting Parties shall, in their mutual relations, act in conformity with the applicable aviation security provisions established by the International Civil Aviation Organization and designated as Annexes to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, opened for signature at Chicago on 7 December 1944. Each Contracting Party shall require that operators of aircraft of its registry or operators of aircraft having their principal place of business or permanent résidence in its area, and the operators of airports in its area, act in conformity with such aviation security provisions.
(4)Each Contracting Party agréés that such operators of aircraft may be required to observe the aviation security provisions referred to in paragraph
(3)of this Article required by the other Contracting Party for entry into, departure from, or while within the area of that other Contracting Party. Each Contracting Party shall ensure that adéquate measures are effectively applied within its area to protect the aircraft and to inspect passengers, crew, carry-on items, baggage, cargo and aircraft stores prior to and during boarding or loading. Each Contracting Party shall also give sympathetic considération to any request from the other Contracting Party for reasonable spécial security measures to meet a particular threat. 14
(5)When an incident or threat of an incident of unlawful seizure of civil aircraft or other unlawful acts against the safety of such aircraft, their passengers and crew, airports or air navigation facilities occurs, each Contracting Party shall assist the other Contracting Party by facilitating communications and other appropriate measures intended to terminate rapidly and safely such incident or threat thereof. ARTICLE 10 Provision of Statistics The aeronautical authorities of each Contracting Party shall, on request, provide such periodic or other statements of statistics as may be reasonably required for the purpose of reviewing the capacity provided on the agreed services by the designated airlines of that Contracting Party to the aeronautical authorities of the other Contracting Party. Such statements shall include ail information required to détermine the amount of traffic carried by those airlines on the agreed services and the origins and destinations of such traffic. ARTICLE 11 Conversion and Remittance of Revenue
(1)The designated airlines of the Hong Kong Spécial Administrative Région shall hâve the right to convert and remit to the Hong Kong Spécial Administrative Région from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg on demand local revenues in excess of sums locally disbursed. The designated airlines of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg shall hâve the right to convert and remit to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg from the Hong Kong Spécial Administrative Région on demand local revenues in excess of sums locally disbursed.
(2)The conversion and remittance of such revenues shall be permitted without restriction at the rate of exchange applicable to current transactions which is in effect at the time such revenues 15 are presented for conversion and remittance, and shall not be subject to any charges except those normally made by banks for carrying out such conversion and remittance. ARTICLE 12 Airijne Représentation and Sales
(1)The designated airlines of each Contracting Party shall hâve the right, in accordance with the laws and régulations of the other Contracting Party relating to entry, résidence and employment , to bring into and maintain in the area of that other Contracting Party those of their own managerial, technical, operational and other specialist staff who are required for the provision of air transportation.
(2)The designated airlines of each Contracting Party shall hâve the right to engage in the sale of air transportation in the area of the other Contracting Party, either directly or through agents. The designated airlines of each Contracting Party shall hâve the right to sell, and any person shall be free to purchase, such transportation in local currency or in any freely convertible other currency. ARTICLE 13 User Charges
(1)The term « user charge » means a charge made to airlines by the competent authorities or permitted by them to be made for the provision of airport property or facilities or of air navigation facilities, including related services and facilities, for aircraft, their crews, passengers and cargo.
(2)A Contracting Party shall not impose or permit to be imposed on the designated airlines of the other Contracting Party user charges higher than those imposed on its own airlines operating similar international air services. 16
(3)Each Contracting Party shall encourage consultation on user charges between its competent charging authoritïes and airlines using the services and facilities provided by those charging authorities, where practicable through those airlines' représentative organisations. Reasonable notice of any proposais for changes in user charges should be given to such users to enable them to express their views before changes are made. Each Contracting Party shall further encourage its competent charging authorities and such users to exchange appropriate information concerning user charges. ARTICLE .14 Consultât ion One Contracting Party may at any time request consultations on the implémentation, interprétation, application or amendment of this Agreement. Such consultations, which may be between the aeronautical authorities of the Contracting Parties, shall begin within 60 days from the date the other Contracting Party receives such request in writing, unless otherwise agreed by the Contracting Parties. ARTICLE 15 Settlement of Disputes
(1)If any dispute arises between the Contracting Parties relating to the interprétation or application of this Agreement, the Contracting Parties shall in the first place try to settle it by negotiation.
(2)If the Contracting Parties fail to reach a settlement of the dispute by negotiation, it may be referred by them to such person or body as they may agréé on or, at the request of a Contracting Party, shall be submitted for decision to a tribunal of three arbitrators which shall be constituted in the following manner: 17 (
- a)within 30 days after receipt of a request for arbitration, each Contracting Party shall appoint one arbitrator. A national of a State which can be regarded as neutral in relation to the dispute, who shall act as President of the tribunal, shall be appointed as the third arbitrator by agreement between the two arbitrators, within 60 days of the appointment of the second; (
- b)if within the time limits specified above any appointment has not been made, a Contracting Party may request the President of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization to make the necessary appointment within 30 days. If the President considers that he is a national of a State which cannot be regarded as neutral in relation to the dispute, the most senior Vice-President who is not disqualified on that ground shall make the appointment.
(3)Except as hereinafter provided in this Article or as otherwise agreed by the Contracting Parties, the tribunal shall détermine the limits of its jurisdiction and establish its own procedure. At the direction of the tribunal, or at the request of a Contracting Party, a conférence to détermine the précisé issues to be arbitrated and the spécifie procedures to be followed shall be held not later than 30 days after the tribunal is fully constituted.
(4)Except as otherwise agreed by the Contracting Parties or prescribed by the tribunal, each Contracting Party shall submit a mémorandum within 45 days after the tribunal is fully constituted. Replies shall be due 60 days later. The tribunal shall hold a hearing at the request of a Contracting Party, or at its discrétion, within 30 days after replies are due.
(5)The tribunal shall attempt to give a written decision within 30 days after completion of the hearing or, if no hearing is held, after the date both replies are submitted. The decision shall be taken by a majority vote. 18
(6)A Contracting Party may submit a request for clarification of the decision within 15 days after it is received and such clarification shall be issued within 15 days of such request.
(7)The decision of the tribunal shall be binding on the Contracting Parties .
(8)Each Contracting Party shall bear the costs of the arbitrator appointed by it. The other costs of the tribunal shall be shared equally by the Contracting Parties including any expenses incurred by the President or Vice-President of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization in implementing the procedures in paragraph
(2)(b) of this Article. ARTICLE 16 Amendment Any amendments to this Agreement agreed by the Contracting Parties shall enter into force when confirmed in writing by the Contracting Parties. ARTICLE 17 Terminât i.Q.n One Contracting Party may at any time give notice in writing to the other Contracting Party of its decision to terminate this Agreement. This Agreement shall terminate at midnight (at the place of receipt of the notice) immediately before the first anniversary of the date of receipt of such notice by that other Contracting Party, unless such notice is withdrawn by agreement before the end of this period. 19 ARTICLE 1 8 Registration with t h e International Civil Aviation-Organisation This Agreement and any amendment thereto shall be registered with the International Civil Aviation Organization. ARTICLE 19 Entry. inta-Forcs This Agreement shall be applied provisionally from the date of signature and shall enter into force as soon as the Contracting Parties hâve given notice in writing to each other that any necessary procedures hâve been completed. In witness whereof, the undersigned, being duly authorised by their respective Governments, hâve signed this Agreement. Done, in duplicate, at Hong Kong this 3rd day of June 1998 in the English language. For the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg For the Government of the Hong Kong Spécial Administrative Région of the People's Republic of China Mady DELVAUX-STEHRES Stephen IP ANNEX ROUTE SCHEPULE Section 1 Routes to be operated by the designated airline or airlines of the Hong Kong Spécial Administrative Région: Hong Kong Spécial Administrative Région Luxembourg - points beyond. - intermediate points - Notes:
- The points to be served on the routes specified above are to be jointly determined by the Contracting Parties.
- The designated airline or airlines of the Hong Kong Spécial Administrative Région may on any or ail flights omit calling at any points on the routes specified above, and may serve intermediate points in any order, and points beyond in any order, provided that the agreed services on these routes begin at the Hong Kong Spécial Administrative Région.
- No traffic may be taken on board at an intermediate point or at a point beyond and discharged at Luxembourg or vice versa, except as may from time to time be jointly determined by the Contracting Parties.
- No point in the mainland of China may be served as an intermediate point or a point beyond. 2 Section 2 Routes to be operated by the designated airline or airlines of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg: Luxembourg - intermediate points Région - points beyond. - Hong Kong Spécial Administrative Notes:
- The points to be served on the routes specified above are to be jointly determined by the Contracting Parties.
- The designated airline or airlines of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg may on any or ail flights omit calling at any points on the routes specified above, and may serve intermediate points in any order, and points beyond in any order, provided that the agreed services on these routes begin at Luxembourg.
- No traffic may be taken on board at an intermediate point or at a point beyond and discharged at the Hong Kong Spécial Administrative Région or vice versa, except as may from time to time be jointly determined by the Contracting Parties.
- No point in the mainland of China may be served as an intermediate point or a point beyond.