China, EU Launch $11Mln Project to Boost Ties Between Aviation Authorities

Beijing and Brussels launched a joint aviation project, on Wednesday, dedicated to enhancing cooperation between the EU and Chinese aviation authorities, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) said in a press release.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Brussels and Beijing started cooperating in the sphere of aviation in 1999 which resulted in the EU-China Civil Aviation Cooperation Project that was in place for 15 years.

"A new chapter in EU-China aviation relations started today, with the official launch of the EU-China Aviation Partnership Project (APP). The 5-year, €10 million project [$10.97 million at current exchange rates], managed by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and partners, will link technical cooperation with policy dialogue between the European and Chinese aviation authorities," the press release reads.

It was noted in the press release that the project was expected to be funded by the Partnership Instrument of the European Union and supported by the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

According to the EASA, the APP will focus on the spheres of aviation safety, air traffic management and environmental protection, among other issues.