Britain’s regions are set for an economic boost after a
landmark agreement for a 50% boost in the number of flights
allowed between the UK and China.
Transport Secretary today unveiled the deal,
which allows for a huge expansion in routes from regional
airports – potentially boosting local economies by hundreds of
millions of pounds by opening up new business and tourism
opportunities.
The announcement builds on successful
discussions in October 2016 that saw limits on passenger
flights between the two countries raised from 40 per week to
a maximum of 100.
The number of Chinese tourists visiting the UK
has rocketed during the first half of this year. Between January
and June, 115,000 visits were made from China to the UK, a rise
of 47% on the same period last year. Spending also increased to
£231 million, up 54%.
Transport Secretary said:
“These agreements are an important part
of preparing Britain for a post-Brexit world and making sure we
have access to key markets in the Far East, and they come at a
time when our exports are growing and we continue to attract
international investment. It just underlines that Britain will do
well regardless of the outcome of the Brexit
negotiations.
“The whole Government is working to
secure the best possible future relationship with the EU, and
great progress has been made his week, but no one should believe
that Britain’s future success depends on decisions taken in
Brussels.”
Under the current arrangement, agreed in October
2016, a maximum of 100 passenger flights per week can operate
between the UK and China, with this figure set to increase to 150
under the terms of the new deal.
Chinese tourists are some of the UK’s highest
spenders, staying longer and travelling more than visitors from
other countries.
Last year, Manchester airport launched the first
direct regional flight between the two countries, worth an
estimated £250 million in economic benefits to the UK over the
next decade.
During the same year restrictions were relaxed
allowing an unlimited number of cargo flights to operate between
the UK and China. By the end of 2016, more than 74,000 tonnes of
freight had been transported between the UK and China by air, an
increase of 27% when compared to 2015.
