Talks to increase the number of direct flights between China and the UK have been secured by UK transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin during a recent visit.
McLoughlin agreed to begin negotiations on an improved bilateral air services agreement with China in early 2014.
He said: “The world of today is very different to that of a decade ago and we need a new agreement that reflects that.
“Improved air links between the UK and China would be good for trade, tourism and forging new partnerships, strengthening the links between our two countries.”
In 2012, Chinese visitors contributed around £300 million to the British economy and it’s believed improved air links could increase this.
The current agreement, signed in 2004, limits airlines to 31 return services a week between six destinations in the UK and China.
The new deal will look to increase both the number of flights and the destinations.
A MoU with the Chinese Transport Minister Yang has been signed, updating a 2009 agreement.
It seeks to allow the UK to share technical expertise and specialist knowledge with China, encourage inward investment and help UK business become more closely involved with the delivery of Chinese infrastructure projects.