Greece and China Sign New Bilateral Aviation Agreement

A new bilateral aviation agreement between Greece and China was signed earlier this month in Beijing by Infrastructure & Transport Minister Christos Staikouras.

The agreement, which is consistent with EU legislation and the Horizontal deal between the EU and China, will give each side the possibility to nominate various airlines.

The new aviation agreement will replace the current document, signed between the two countries in 1973.

According to the Greek Transport Ministry, the new agreement will “modernize the institutional aviation framework and enhance the transport of passengers and goods between the two countries”.

Greek Infrastructure & Transport Minister Christos Staikouras during his recent visit to Beijing. Photo source: Infrastructure & Transport Ministry

In an interview with China Today, Staikouras said the agreement establishes a modern and liberalized framework for the operation of direct air services between Greece and China.

“It further promotes aviation relations and facilitates the movement of people and goods, becoming a key factor in the growth of bilateral tourism and commercial needs,” he said.

Moreover, the minister said the Greek government is pleased that the Shanghai-headquartered Juneyao Air announced three flights per week between Shanghai and Athens, starting in April 2024.

“In the future, we can further expand our cooperation in transport and infrastructure,” Staikouras told China Today.

Staikouras signed the aviation agreement while accompanying Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to Beijing during his official visit to China.

While in China, Staikouras also met with the management of Yutong International Holding, which has a deal with Greece to provide 250 electric buses for the fleets of Athens and Thessaloniki. He also attended the China International Import Expo’s inauguration.