Law to Give Effect to Montreal Convention on Air Travel Passed in the House

A Bill to give effect to the Montreal Convention, which outlines certain rules relating to international carriage by air, was passed in the House of Representatives yesterday (Jan. 27).
In piloting the Bill, Minister of Transport and Works, Mike Henry, explained that the Convention, which was signed in Montreal on May 28, 1999, replaces the Warsaw Convention, as well as other related international legal instruments, and seeks to modernise the documentation relating to the international carriage of persons, baggage and cargo.
“It will provide a uniform system of liability in respect of damage sustained in the case of death or bodily injury of a passenger, or the destruction or loss or damage to baggage or cargo. It will also provide the jurisdiction in which action may be brought for the recovery of damages and compensation in respect of passengers, to include the place and the permanent residence of the passenger,” he added.
He further noted that the Convention seeks to place an obligation on party states, to require their air carriers to maintain adequate insurance to cover liability under the agreement.
The legislation will also repeal the Carriage by Air Montreal Convention Bill; the Carriage by Air Act of 1964 and the Carriage by Air Act 1932 of the United Kingdom.
Opposition Member of Parliament for St. Andrew Western, Anthony Hylton, noted that the Bill represents an advancement and modernisation of existing international air transport arrangements.
“The Bill seeks to harmonise the existing rules and to provide a very clear framework for the development of international air transport. This enhances the air transport arrangements as it provides a very clear framework and it is for the development and growth of the sector,” Mr. Hylton stated.