Britain and China have announced that they will now be doubling airline flights between each other as part of a new agreement signed by the two countries.
Britain's Department of Transportation said on Tuesday that flights coming to and from each nation will be increased from the current maximum of 40 flights a week to around 100 flights, Bloomberg reported. On the other hand, there will be no limit on cargo-only flights.
According to Transport secretary Chris Grayling, the new deal is part of Britain's move to show that it is is still a top business destination after its controversial exit from the European Union. Grayling added that the increased number of connecting flights with China will be a big boost to business and trade, as well as jobs creation in the post-Brexit period.
Tourists coming from China have increased by 46 percent in 2015, with more than 270,000 visitors arriving. Spending has also increased by 18 percent on the part of these tourists, amounting to $711 million.
However, British airlines are still lagging behind other European carriers in providing connecting flights to China. British Airways, for instance, is only able to serve Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. Under the new agreement, the current cap of just six destination cities for both countries is lifted, allowing airlines to reach more locations.
Manchester Airports Group chief executive Charlie Cornish welcome the agreement, saying that it will help increase travel to the northern part of the country, The Guardian reported. Manchester announced earlier this year that it will be providing flights to and from Beijing. Cornish said that flights have been operating at 90 percent capacity since the opening of the route.
However, the final decision on whether to avail of the additional flights provided by the agreement would still be left to the airlines themselves. Chinese carriers have extensively capitalized on the current agreement to expand their reach outside of London and cover cities like Manchester.