China has aviation agreements with 108 countries

As of the end of 2006, China has signed air services agreements with 108 countries, according to Wu Zhouhong, vice director of the International Cooperation Department of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). The continued growth in aviation agreements is a testament to CAAC Minister Yang Yuanyuan’s goal of opening China to the international air transport market. Of the total, China has 34 bilateral air traffic right agreements, including third party code-sharing; and 22 bilateral agreements with wet lease. China also opened a fifth traffic right on cargo to seven countries. Today, 93 foreign airlines fly to 30 Chinese cities from 51 countries and regions, with 1,578 scheduled flights every week. Fifteen Chinese airlines fly to 91 cities in 42 countries and regions with 1,511 scheduled flights every week. China has improved foreign investment rate in Chinese airlines to 49 percent. Foreigners are allowed to invest in joint venture airlines. Jade Cargo International and Great Wall Airlines are examples of this policy in effect. The CAAC will continue to open China to the international air transport market by perfecting the international air route network, including increasing air routes to Africa and South American countries. Preference will be given to flights to and from West China, Northeast China and Central China. The air cargo market will also be opened. Chinese airlines will be encouraged to enter into international alliances. Entry and exit procedures for international cargo will also be simplified. China is also aiming to unify aviation management rules under the direction of the International Civil Aviation Organization and implement regional air transport liberalization.