EU-China Aviation Relations Strengthen with New Agreements

Photo source: European Travel Commission (ETC)

European Commission signs landmark aviation agreements with China

The European Union and China on Monday signed two aviation agreements that are expected to boost air connectivity as well as create new tourist routes from China to Europe.

“We are mutually interested in better connecting Europe and Asia and making it easier to move goods, services and people between Europe and China,” Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc said.

The two agreements signed are in regards to civil aviation safety and strengthening the aviation cooperation between the EU and China.

“Today’s agreements will boost the European Union’s trade in aircraft and related products, and ensure the highest levels of air safety,” Commissioner Bulc added.

The main objective of the bilateral civil aviation safety agreement (BASA) is to support worldwide trade in aircraft and related products. The agreement is expected to remove the unnecessary duplication of evaluation and certification activities for aeronautical products by the civil aviation authorities, and therefore reduce costs for the aviation sector. The BASA will also promote cooperation between the EU and China towards a high level of civil aviation safety and environmental compatibility.

Photo source: European Commission

The second agreement signed is a so-called “horizontal aviation agreement”. It marks China’s recognition of the principle of EU designation, whereby all EU airlines will be able to fly to China from any EU Member State with a bilateral air services agreement with China under which unused traffic rights are available.

Up until now, only airlines owned and controlled by a given Member State or its nationals could fly between that Member State and China. The conclusion of a horizontal agreement will thereby bring bilateral air services agreements between China and EU Member States into conformity with EU law – a renewed legal certainty which will be beneficial to airlines on both sides.

According to the European Commission, the agreements will serve to boost the competitiveness of the EU’s aeronautical sector and enhance overall EU-China aviation relations.

The agreements are in accordance to the Juncker Commission’s Aviation Strategy for Europe – designed to generate growth for European business, foster innovation and let passengers profit from safer, cleaner and cheaper flights.

“The EU firmly believes that nations working together makes the world a stronger, safer and more prosperous place for all. Today we took a first big step in this direction by signing two aviation agreements with China that will create jobs, boost growth and bring our continents and peoples closer together,” European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said.

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