Government hails a new air lane agreement with China that is “vital” for post-Brexit Britain
The Department for Transport (DfT) has negotiated a deal that will more than double the number of flights between Britain and China.
In a move the DfT said would "boost tourism and trade opportunities for the UK", 100 flights will now be allowed to depart from each country, each week. Previously a restriction was in place to limit the number of flights to 40 per week.
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“This deal is a big moment for the UK. Strong connections with emerging markets like China are vital for us if we are to continue competing on the global economic stage," said transport secretary Chris Grayling.
The deal will also do away with the restriction on the number of destinations within each country that airlines can serve – currently there is a limit of six landing spots.
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"These new arrangements will further strengthen British-Sino relations. Post Brexit, improving trade links with key markets such as China will boost exports and tourism, as well as helping create jobs and strengthening our local economies," said aviation minister Lord Ahmad.