Canada expands air agreement with China

The Great Wall of China at Jinshanling. Photo: Severin.stalder

The Great Wall of China at Jinshanling. Photo: Severin.stalder

An expanded Canada-China Air Transport Agreement that allows for new air services between additional cities in both countries is now in effect and available for use by airlines.

This agreement with China will increase the numbers of cities Canadian and Chinese airlines can serve from 12 to 18 in the other partner’s territory.

China is Canada’s fifth largest international air travel market and second largest single-country trading partner. This expansion will allow airlines to provide greater choices for travellers and help support increasing tourism and trade activity.

Reached under Canada’s Blue Sky policy, which encourages long-term, sustainable competition and the development of international air services, the expanded agreement builds on the 2005 Canada-China Air Transport Agreement, last amended in 2013.

“The Government of Canada is pleased to build on our positive air transportation relationship with China through this expanded air transport agreement,” said Transport Minister Garneau. “The agreement is good news for both business and tourism and we look forward to keeping the momentum going with this important international partner in the future.”