RESTRICTED
7
(The Express: October 3)
The air service is important because of its political implications and not because of its economic value.
China is trying to improve foreign impressions of China by developing tourism, introducing the air service and simplifying Customs procedures.
These actions, therefore, reflect China's change of concept in its foreign policy and attitude towards the overseas Chinese. It no longer treats all outsiders as "potential enemies".
(South China Morning Post: October 3)
Hong Kong yesterday gave approval for China to operate passenger flights between Hong Kong and Canton during the autumn trade fair later this month.
The approval was given at a meeting between a delegation from China's civil aviation authority and Hong Kong's Civil Aviation Department.
(Hongkong Standard: October 4)
China is considering extending charter passenger flights to other Chinese cities, in addition to the Hongkong-Canton route.
The chief of a Chinese aviation mission, Mr. Li Shu-fan, said yesterday that the possibility of more charter passenger flights after the Autumn trade fair would be further discussed with the Civil Aviation Department.
Talks were previously conducted with the British Government, but in future contact would be made with the department.
The charter flights, to be booked through the China Travel Service, would be open only to businessmen attending the trade fair.
(South China Morning Post: October 4)
China will expand its air fleet, the Deputy Director for International Affairs of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, Mr. Li Shu-fan, said yesterday.
In a press conference after the conclusion of talks with Hong Kong's civil aviation authority on the Canton-Hongkong air link, Mr. Li said CAAC is a “small airline" by world standards.
"It is going to be developed," he said. "That means we shall need different. types of new aircraft.”
However, Mr. Li did not say whether China is considering Boeing 747 jumbos, 727s or the Airbus A300 jets.
Talks on passenger chartered flights between Kai Tak and White Cloud airport in Canton lasted two days.
(Ta Kung Pao Weekly: October 5)
It has been agreed that the passenger chartered flights between Hong Kong and Kwangchow will be inaugurated on October 12, three days before the Kwangchow autumn trade fair opens and will last until November 18, three days after the fair.
(South China Morning Post: October 6)
Hongkong and China yesterday officially completed arrangements for chartered flights to Canton to begin next Thursday.
The leader of the Chinese mission, Mr. Li Shu-fan, and the Hongkong Director of Civil Aviation, Mr. Ron Downing, signed what is described as "the official record of discussions."
A Civil Aviation Department spokesman said that an air agreement is not necessary for non-scheduled operations.
China will operate two flights a day to take visitors to the Canton Trade Fair, which opens on October 15. The flights will halt on November 18.
RESTRICTED
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.