Under the new deal, passenger flights can now increase from the current maximum of 40 per week for each nation to up to 100. There will be no limit on the number of all-cargo services. The restriction on the number of destinations that airlines can serve has also been lifted, meaning services can be operated between any point in the UK and any point in China. Up until now, airlines could only serve 6 destinations in each country.

   Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said strong connections with emerging markets like China would be vital for the UK to continue competing on the global economic stage. Hundreds of thousands of Chinese people visit the UK every year, spending hundreds of millions of pounds. Raising the number of permitted flights between the two countries would provide massive opportunities for UK businesses, helping increase trade, create jobs and boost economy up and down the country.

   UK Aviation Minister Lord Ahmad said, these new arrangements would further strengthen the UK-China relations. After Brexit, improving trade links with key markets such as China would boost exports and tourism, as well as helping create jobs and strengthening local economies.