Scotland in line to benefit from deal for increased flights to China

Scotland’s airports could be set for the country’s first ever scheduled services to China, following a landmark deal on aviation access.

UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling today announced an agreement with China allowing up to 50 per cent more flights to the country from the UK – with the new opportunities ring-fenced for routes outside London airports.

Now Glasgow and Edinburgh airports could work with airlines to develop the new routes, after both have previously expressed interest in direct flights to China.

The deal could open the door for an economic boost to Scotland worth hundreds of millions of pounds by opening new markets for the country’s businesses and creating new tourism opportunities.

The number of flights allowed to operate between the UK and China is set to rise by 50 per cent following the new agreement between the two countries.

The announcement follows successful negotiations in October 2016 that saw limits on passenger flights between the two countries rise from 40 per week to a maximum of 100. The number of Chinese tourists visiting the UK has subsequently increased during the first half of this year.

Last year, 41,000 visits were made from China to Scotland, with a total of £36 million being spent by those visiting the country. And the value of exports to China has continued to grow in recent years, with £2.5 billion worth of goods exported from Scotland to China in the year ending September 2017. The Scottish Whisky Association also reported sales have increased by 45 per cent in the first half of this year.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “Scotland is known around the globe for the quality of its produce – not least its world-famous whisky. This deal could provide more opportunities for Scottish exporters to trade with a hugely important market.

“I also want to see more people from around the world enjoying the natural beauty of Scotland and all the other tourist attractions the country offers.

“This agreement shows our relationship with China is going from strength to strength and points to a bright future for the UK after Brexit. I hope Scotland takes advantage by delivering its first direct route to China.”

Under the current arrangement a maximum of 100 passenger flights per week can operate between the UK and China with this figure set to increase to 150.

Chinese tourists are some of the UK’s highest spenders, staying longer and travelling more than visitors from other countries.

Last year, Manchester airport launched the first direct regional flight between the two countries worth an estimated £250 million in economic benefits to the UK over the next decade.

During the same year restrictions were relaxed allowing an unlimited number of cargo flights to operate between the UK and China. By the end of 2016, more than 74,000 tonnes of freight had been transported between the UK and China by air, an increase of 27 per cent when compared to 2015.