Flights between UK and China to more than double under new plan to boost trade and tourism
Limit on passenger flights between Britain and China is to be raised from 40 to 100 each week in each direction under deal
FLIGHTS between Britain and China will more than double as part of a new deal signed between the two countries to boost trade and tourism.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said limits on flights between the UK and the Far East would be lifted to allow thousands more trips between them every year.
It comes ahead of an expected decision on whether to expand Heathrow within days.
Last night's announcement fuelled speculation Heathrow's third runway would get the green light imminently. The Department of Transport said the move would build vital links in a post Brexit world.
Aviation Minister Lord Ahmad added: “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. This deal demonstrates that the UK is very much open for business.”
Mr Grayling said the agreement would provide “massive opportunities” to boost trade, tourism and jobs in the UK ahead of Britain leaving the European Union.
Under the deal, the limit on passenger flights between Britain and China is to be raised from 40 to 100 each week in each direction, while there will be no restriction on cargo flights.
And a rule limiting to six the number of airports which airlines can serve in each country is to be lifted, so that flights will be permitted to and from any destination in the UK and China.
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Mr Grayling said: “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.
“Hundreds of thousands of Chinese people visit the UK every year, spending hundreds of millions of pounds. Raising the number of permitted flights between the two countries will provide massive opportunities for our businesses, helping increase trade, create jobs and boost our economy up and down the country.”
Around 270,000 Chinese visitors came to the UK in 2015 - up 46 per cent on the previous year.
Their overall spending increased by 18 per cent to £586 million, making China one of the UK’s top 10 most valuable inbound markets.
Earlier this year, Manchester became the first UK airport outside London to offer scheduled non-stop flights to China.