2 February 1999
The Minister of Transport Mac Maharaj signed an air service agreement with Mr Liu Jianfeng, the Minister of the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China, in Cape Town today.
The prime objective of the agreement, which was negotiated on 21 and 22 May 1998 in Beijing, is to modernise the current bilateral framework for the operation of scheduled international air services between China and South Africa.
Among the issues in the Memorandum of Understanding are that:
The designated airlines of both countries are entitled to operate four passenger frequencies (with any aircraft type) and up to two freight frequencies per week (with a dedicated aircraft).
The designated airlines of both countries may use three intermediate points between the two countries, three points in each country as entry points and two points beyond each country;
A framework was created for the designated airlines of both countries to enter into cooperative service agreements like code-sharing and blocked space agreements. This framework also makes provision for the designated airlines to enter into these agreements with airlines of a third country and for operations via such a third country.
This is the 42nd bilateral air agreement to be signed to date by South Africa. Currently South Africa is negotiating agreements with 59 other countries. Last year seven agreements were signed, five new agreements were negotiated (the Chinese agreement being one of them) and eleven agreements were revised.
Maharaj welcomed the agreement saying it was a step forward in the commercial relations between South Africa and China, who established diplomatic relations in January 1998.
"It will open doors to greater opportunities in both countries. South Africa is increasing its scope beyond our continent and this bilateral air services agreement with China is an indication that we want to be an active participant in every aspect of development in the aviation field.
"As South Africa and China have a strong interest in strengthening their positions in the developing world, this agreement will act as a catalyst in enhancing the already improved trade relations between our two countries. Through the provision of efficient air services, the objective of promoting tourism can be achieved by both countries.
"South African companies such as Iscor, SA Breweries, Sasol, Sentrachem and Denel have growing business interests in China. Leading South African banks, like Nedcor and ABSA, have also established offices in China.
"By concluding this air services agreement, we are acknowledging the importance of air transportation in helping to create and preserve friendship and understanding between the peoples of both countries," he said.
Issued by Deirdre Moyle: PA and Media Liaison Officer to the Minister of Transport (2/2/1999)
Didi Moyle
PA and Media Liaison Officer to the Minister of Transport
Pretoria: (012) 309 3131 (phone) or (012) 328 3194 (fax)
Cape Town: (021) 457260 (phone) or (021) 461 6845 (fax)
email: moyle@ mweb.co.za
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cell: 082 808 5108