UK – China accord to boost flight connectivity
11 / 12 / 2017
UK transport secretary Chris Grayling has revealed the details of a new deal between the UK and China that allows for a 50% boost in the number of passenger flights between the two nations.
It builds on successful discussions held in October 2016 that saw limits on passenger flights between the two countries raised from 40 a week to a maximum of 100 a week. This new deal allows for 150 passenger flights each week.
Grayling commented: “These agreements are an important part of preparing Britain for a post-Brexit world and making sure we have access to key markets in the Far East, and they come at a time when our exports are growing and we continue to attract international investment.
“It just underlines that Britain will do well regardless of the outcome of the Brexit negotiations,” he added.
Last year, Manchester Airport launched the first direct regional flight between the UK and China, worth an estimated £250 million in economic benefits to the UK over the course of the next decade.
Also last year, restrictions were relaxed that allow an unlimited number of cargo flights between the UK and China.
By the end of 2016, more than 74,000 tonnes of freight had been transported between the UK and China by air, an increase of 27% when compared to 2015.
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