Beijing, China - 8 November 2014
The Government of Canada is committed to helping the Canadian air industry increase its access to international markets, which in turn benefits domestic businesses, shippers and travellers.
To this end, on November 8, 2014, Canada and China welcomed the bilateral commitment to establish new direct air services between Beijing and Calgary as well as Beijing and Montreal. The announcement was made during Prime Minister Stephen Harper's visit to China, from November 5 to 10, 2014.
These new services will come into effect as a result of the rights granted under the Canada-China Air Transport Agreement. The 2005 Air Services Agreement between the two countries was first expanded in 2011 and further expanded in 2013. Prime Minister Harper witnessed the signing of this expanded agreement during his current visit.
Once established, the new air links will benefit Chinese and Canadian travellers and shippers, as well as the host airports and their respective communities by providing more choices and flexibility for travel and transport between the two countries.
Since November 2006, Canada's Blue Sky Policy has encouraged long-term, sustainable competition and the development of new and expanded international air services. Under this policy, the Government of Canada has concluded open, new or expanded air transport agreements with more than 80 countries.
