International aviation: EU launches new aviation partnership with China

International aviation: EU launches new aviation partnership with China

Today the EU and China have formally launched the EU-China Aviation Partnership Project (APP), a cooperation programme in the field of civil aviation. It will be jointly implemented by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). With a €10 million budget from the EU Partnership Instrument , this five year programme will serve to increase cooperation and mutual understanding on areas such as safety and environmental protection; and to allow for better exchange of best practices and standards. With a population of 1.4 billion, China is one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world and a key partner for the EU. The Commission put forward a proposal to negotiate an EU-China comprehensive aviation agreement, as part of the new Aviation Strategy for Europe , adopted in December 2015. Such an agreement would improve connections between the two regions and bring significant economic benefits by facilitating trade and tourism flows.

More information on the APP .